By Jamie Martin
The Administration, through the USDA, has recently committed over $35 million in grants to boost local meat and poultry processing capacities. This funding, part of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), is aimed at increasing competition and market opportunities for American farmers while supporting job creation in rural areas.
This final investment under the MPPEP is part of a broader initiative under President's American Rescue Plan, launched in 2022 to strengthen the US food supply chain and improve market fairness.
The program supports 15 independent meat processors across 12 states, enhancing their capacity to process significant numbers of cattle, hogs, chickens, and turkeys annually.
Notable projects include a $10 million grant for America’s Heartland Packing to construct a large, LEED-certified beef processing plant outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Meanwhile, Mark’s Custom Meats in Pennsylvania will use a $750,000 grant to double its facility's size, benefiting local producers and creating new jobs.
The USDA's efforts are part of a comprehensive plan to make the food system more resilient, competitive, and fair.
By focusing on local and regional production, the initiative seeks to reduce grocery costs and improve food access for American families, ensuring a sustainable and equitable food future.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National