USDA Announces Funding Availability to Expand Meat and Poultry Processing Options for Underserved Producers and Tribal Communities

The USDA has announced two new grant programs with an availability of $125 million dollars: the Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program, and the Local Meat Capacity Grant Program.  The indigenous grant, which has $50 million dedicated, is target at improving the local capacity for “harvesting, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling or distribution of indigenous meats”.  It is targeted in developing and upgrading supply chain infrastructure for native farmers, which is set to improve food security for these communities which have historically struggled in this field.  The Local Meat Capacity grant, with a dedicated $75 million, is targeted at smaller-scale poultry and meat processors.  Its goal is to strengthen and develop meat and poultry supply chains across US communities, opening more local processing facilities, and increasing the availability and variety for livestock producers.  Both grant programs are intended to strengthen local supply chains and have the potential to increase cold chain capacity.