Nebraska to award $9.8 million in grants to meat processors

• By: admin
• On: 07/14/2022 00:15:02
• In: Industry News

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture will award approximately $9.8 million in Independent Processor Assistance Program Grants to support projects designed to improve and/or expand Nebraska's meat processing capabilities, reports National Hog Farmer. The Independent Processor Assistance Program Grants are available to new and existing processors to facilitate improvements, enhancements, or expansions that will increase harvest capacity and/or product throughput. Eligible processors are those that operate as either a USDA-FSIS facility or a federally regulated custom-exempt slaughter and processing facility, while also remaining in compliance with all applicable federal regulations. New facilities must show capacity to seek licensure as either a USDA-FSIS facility or as a federally regulated custom-exempt facility.

"Nebraska is a leader in meat production and processing which is a vital part of our nation's food supply," Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman said, per NHF. "Our livestock producers and meat processors have already faced many unique challenges created by the pandemic, and yet they continue to find solutions to keep the food chain operating. These grants will help Nebraska meat processors implement projects that will benefit meat processing today and strengthen the industry for tomorrow."

To be eligible, existing operations must be domiciled in the State of Nebraska and be registered in good standing with the Secretary of State to conduct business in Nebraska. Additionally, existing sales revenue must be less than $2.5 million and employment must be fewer than 25 employees.

The application period for the Independent Processor Assistance Program Grants opened on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. Applications are due Friday, August 12, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

For more information:

National Hog Farmer: https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/news/nebraska-award-98-million-meat-processor-assistance-grants

Nebraska Department of Agriculture: https://nda.nebraska.gov/promotion/meat_processors/