USDA Awards Grants to Strengthen Independent Meat Processors

USDA announced the award of $89 million in grants under the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) to increase available financing for independent processors, alleviate bottlenecks, and create opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural communities. These investments are being made under the second round of the program. Nonprofit lenders in Alabama, Georgia, Maine, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota will use the funding to establish revolving loan funds to finance the startup, expansion, and operation of meat and poultry processors. A complete list of recipients that includes project descriptions is available online.