Pennsylvania Awards $600K to Expand Meat Processing

By Blake Jackson

Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced nearly $600,000 in state grants for 10 small meat processors across eight counties, with funding aimed at expanding processing capacity, improving food and worker safety, and increasing access to locally produced meat.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has also opened applications for the next round of its Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant program.

“Small processors are absolutely integral to Pennsylvania agriculture,” Secretary Redding said. “They create markets and lower transportation costs for farmers, keep food dollars in our communities, and give consumers more choices for locally produced meat. This funding helps businesses invest in their operations, and opening the next round means more Pennsylvania processors can build for the future.”

The state views investments in local processing as an important part of maintaining a competitive cattle industry and strengthening Pennsylvania’s beef supply chain.

Officials said expanded processing capacity can help producers and rural communities manage challenges, including limited cattle supplies, market disruptions and broader pressures affecting the national beef industry.

Since 2023, Pennsylvania has provided more than $1.68 million in grants to support the expansion of 26 small businesses.

The program is part of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill investments, through which Gov. Josh Shapiro has committed $13.8 million annually since taking office to support agricultural workforce development, processing infrastructure and marketing opportunities.

Applications for the 2026-27 grant cycle are now being accepted through Nov. 6, 2026. The program has $500,000 available in the current state budget, with individual grants capped at $100,000.

The announcement took place in Jefferson County at Meatheads Market, also known as B & P Meats. The business received $93,769 in January 2025 to purchase equipment and improve processing efficiency, food safety, and worker safety. It also received food safety consultation as it expanded into USDA-inspected smoked and cooked products.

Eligible grants can support new or expanded processing operations and expenses associated with obtaining USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service inspections.

Grant recipients include Bryan’s Meat Cutting ($71,673), Clarkco Meats ($51,409), Gary Gibson ($71,673), Stryker Farm ($28,239), Finest Kind Provisions ($15,181), Waldron Custom Meats ($71,673), Whitmore Quality Custom Cuts ($68,842), Weimer Meats ($67,239), DeTraglia Farm ($61,277), and Cabin Hollow Butcher Shop ($71,673).

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