$115 Million in Federal Grants will help small meat processors in 17 States

The allocated funds will be used to support independent meat and poultry processors.

Smaller meat and poultry processors in 17 states will receive $115 million in grants, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week. Thus, the Ministry prevents the further consolidation process in food production.

The USDA grants are the latest in a series of awards issued by the administration of President Joe Biden, which are aimed to increase meat and poultry processing, which will benefit farmers and provide more employment opportunities mainly in rural areas.

According to Agriculture Minister Tom Vilsack, the funds will be used to increase the independent processing of meat and poultry, expand market opportunities for small farmers and improve access to jobs in rural areas. "The USDA is committed to supporting meat and poultry processors by increasing competition and reducing costs for working families," Vilsack said.

Vilsack, a former Iowa governor, noted that 7.5% of farms currently receive 89% of all income from farming. According to Vilsack, despite the importance of large companies, it is vital for small farmers to receive a larger share of income to reverse the decline in population and well-being in rural communities.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded five awards totaling $38 million as part of a slaughterhouse expansion program to help independent producers in five states.

Projects receiving funding are in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.

SOURCE: emeat