Opportunity for Meat Processors: Apply for Federal Grants by July 19

**Government Grants Offer Opportunities for Meat and Poultry Processors**

For meat and poultry processors looking to expand their presence in the market, there are government grant programs available to provide a helping hand. These grants, specifically designed for the industry, aim to support and invest in independent, local meat and poultry processing projects. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated up to $125 million for grants through two programs: the Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program ($50 million) and the Local Meat Capacity Grant Program ($75 million).

The Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program focuses on developing and expanding infrastructure related to meat from indigenous animals such as bison, reindeer, and salmon. The program aims to improve the resiliency of the tribal nations’ food and agricultural supply chain. It will fund projects that expand local capacity for harvesting, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distributing indigenous meats.

On the other hand, the Local Meat Capacity Grant Program provides support to meat and poultry processors with smaller-scale projects. The program encourages innovation and aims to build resilience in the meat and poultry supply chain. By offering producers more local processing options, these grants increase processing availability and variety for local and regional livestock producers.

These grant programs are crucial because a significant portion of meat in the national supply chain comes from a few major producers. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains to unforeseen disruptions. If any of these major producers were to encounter issues, it could have serious consequences. The grants help to minimize this risk by opening the market to new producers and allowing smaller plants to expand their businesses. By leveling the playing field, these funds provide smaller companies with a competitive edge.

The grant programs were launched earlier this year, and several companies have already benefited from them. For example, a meat processing company in South Dakota received a $3.3 million grant, enabling them to establish their business. The grants are already making a positive impact on various businesses in the industry.

In addition to the grants, there are other resources and opportunities available to meat and poultry processors. Cherry’s Industrial Equipment, for instance, offers solutions that support these processors by improving warehouse efficiencies and reducing the risk of worker injuries. They specialize in providing equipment dedicated to ergonomics and safety, which can be purchased using grant funds. These solutions, such as the PSR freezer spacer removal system, automate heavy lifting tasks and combat labor shortages in the industry.

Other equipment that can boost the efficiency of meat and poultry processing plants includes automatic stretch wrappers and lift tables, which optimize palletizing processes. Each processing plant has unique needs, and solutions can be customized accordingly.

If you are in the meat and poultry processing business, it is essential not to overlook the opportunity these grants provide. The USDA website offers information on how to apply and tips for preparing your application. Additionally, there may be additional grant opportunities at the state level, such as the Utah Workplace Safety Grant Application. It is worth exploring these options to maximize potential funding.

The USDA lending program is also available for small, medium, and larger companies in the industry. The program is fully backed by the US government, providing additional financial support.

In conclusion, government grant programs offer significant opportunities for meat and poultry processors. By applying for these grants, processors can access funding to expand their operations, improve resiliency, and strengthen the supply chain. Additionally, exploring equipment solutions from companies like Cherry’s Industrial Equipment can further enhance processing efficiency and safety. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to elevate your business in the industry.