Harrisburg, PA – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today announced the opening the 2024-2025 Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program. The grant program supports the development and expansion of current or future meat and poultry processing operations across Pennsylvania, offering reimbursement funds to cover costs associated with opening or expanding operations, or obtaining grant of inspection from the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service.
“Pennsylvanians are seeking out local farms more than ever, and this grant directly addresses that desire by helping small meat and poultry processors meet the growing demand for local foods," said Secretary Redding. “By investing in local agriculture, the Shapiro Administration is not only helping farmers and processors stay competitive, we're shortening supply chains, reducing costs, and ensuring a more reliable, sustainable food source for our Commonwealth."
A total of $500,000 is available for 2024-25, with a maximum grant amount of $100,000. Applications can be submitted through the Single Application for Assistance online applications system, and are due by 5 PM on Friday, August 2, 2024.
Since 2019, Pennsylvania has supported the expansion of 47 small businesses, investing more than $2.7 million through Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Grants. The grants are one of many ways increased agriculture funding in the bipartisan 2023-24 Shapiro Administration budget is building the workforce and infrastructure Pennsylvania's $132.5 billion agriculture industry needs to keep growing, feeding our economy, and supporting more than 593,000 jobs.
Additional details on the 2024-2025 Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program can be found in the Saturday, June 15, 2024 PA Bulletin.
For past recipients of PA Farm Bill grants in your region, information on funding opportunities and more on investments in a thriving future for Pennsylvania agriculture, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Shannon Powers, shpowers@pa.gov, 717.603.2056
# # #