USDA Announces $35 Million in Meat and Poultry Processing Grants

USDA is awarding more than $35 million in grants to 15 independent meat processors in 12 states to increase processing capacity, spur competition to expand market opportunities for U.S. farmers, and create jobs in rural areas. This marks the final investment in the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), which has provided 74 awards totaling more than $325 million to expand processing capacity and strengthen the food supply chain. The most recent announcement will benefit people living in Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York and Pennsylvania. As one example, Mark’s Custom Meats in Pennsylvania is receiving a $750,000 grant to double the size of their current meat processing facility, serving an additional 15 producers and creating four new full-time jobs. Additionally, Damian’s Craft Meats, a Latinx-owned processor, is using a $4 million grant to build a new facility in southeastern Michigan to serve local cattle, hog, goat, and lamb producers. Damian’s will offer fee-for-service processing and will also purchase animals from local producers through competitive and transparent pricing.