WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — USDA has rolled out the latest phase of its plan to expand U.S. beef processing capacity.
Victoria Collin with Rural Business-Cooperative Service said expanding local processing and strengthening rural supply chains are critical for producers.
“Expanding local processing capabilities and strengthening supply chains within our rural communities is critical to give producers the tools that they need to boost that meat production and continue feeding our nation. We’ve heard from our producers that having these small and very small processors in their community is often the only option that they have to process cattle. And so having this access to capital for these processors is critical to the whole supply chain.”
Collin said several types of entities may qualify.
“The types of entities that we’re looking for include they could be for profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, producer owned cooperatives, tribes and tribal entities, private owned entities must be independently owned and operated, and all entities must be domestically owned here in the United States. And the processing facility must also be physically located and operating in the United States or its territories.”
USDA will accept applications through August 7.
