US announces more funding to expand meat processing capacity
$23.6 million available for meat, poultry readiness grant program
28 March 2022
2 minute read
By: The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Friday the launch of the Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA) to provide technical assistance to meat and poultry grant applicants and grant-funded projects. Processors and applicants involved with the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program and the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) can access this technical assistance.
USDA also announced it is now accepting applications for $23.6 million in competitive grant funding available through the MPIRG program.
As part of the Biden-Harris Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has established cooperative agreements with three non-profit organisations to coordinate and provide technical assistance utilising a wide range of expertise and outreach strategies. These organisations will also establish a national network of support for meat and poultry grant applicants to navigate the application process, and to assist grant recipients throughout their project.
“This is a true partnership to help meat and poultry processors and grant applicants diversify processing ownership throughout the country,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Meat and poultry processing is a complex sector that requires significant planning and forethought to manage economic viability concurrently with worker, food, and environmental safety. We are pleased to partner with these initial organisations, given their deep technical expertise and demonstrated service to underserved communities, as part of our support for fairer, more competitive, and resilient meat and poultry supply chains.”
AMS is accepting applications now through 24 May 2022 for a second round of MPIRG program funding totalling $23.6 million.
