By Blake Jackson
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2024-2025 Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program. This initiative aims to bolster the development and expansion of small-scale meat and poultry processing operations across the state.
"Pennsylvanians are demonstrating a growing interest in locally sourced food products," remarked Secretary Russell Redding of the PDA. "This grant program directly addresses this demand by empowering small meat and poultry processors to meet the increasing consumer appetite for local options.
By strategically investing in local agriculture, the Shapiro Administration fosters a more robust and sustainable food system within the Commonwealth. This not only enhances the competitiveness of Pennsylvania's farmers and processors, but also strengthens our supply chains, optimizes costs, and ensures a reliable source of food for our citizens."
The program offers $500,000 in grant funding for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, with a maximum individual grant award of $100,000.
Eligible expenses covered by the grant include those associated with establishing or expanding processing facilities and obtaining an inspection grant from the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).
Applications for the program will be accepted through the Single Application for Assistance online portal until the deadline of 5:00 PM on Friday, August 2, 2024. Since its inception in 2019, the Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Grant Program has awarded over $2.7 million to 47 small businesses, significantly contributing to the growth of Pennsylvania's agricultural sector.
This grant program aligns with the Shapiro Administration's commitment to strengthening Pennsylvania's agricultural industry, valued at $132.5 billion.
The increased funding fosters the development of a skilled workforce and the necessary infrastructure to ensure the continued growth of this vital sector. This, in turn, contributes to a robust economy and supports over 593,000 jobs across the state.
For further details regarding the 2024-2025 Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program, please refer to the Pennsylvania Bulletin dated Saturday, June 15, 2024.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-luoman
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy