USDA Announces Meat & Poultry Processing Capacity Expansion Resources

USDA has just announced they will provide more resources to increase and expand meat and poultry processing capacity.

It is called the Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance program. It will provide technical assistance and grant applications and grant-funded projects. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack calls it a true partnership to help processors and grant applicants diversify ownership throughout the country. He calls it a complex sector that requires planning and preparation to manage economic viability with food, worker and environmental safety.


Even more good news! The Department is also accepting applications for $23.6 million in grant funding through the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant program. Vilsack says the new funds will continue to help processors grow.

Related:

Secretary Vilsack announces plan to expand processing capacity at Ag Outlook Forum

Ontario Gets Second Meat Processing Plant

UNL Announces Plans for the Small Meat Processing Plant of the Future

Processing capacity has a positive outlook, but short-term issues need to be addressed






Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
Host Ben Bailey hops in the tractor cab, giving farmers 10 minutes to answer as many questions and grab as much cash as they can for their local FFA chapter.