U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that South Carolina is receiving an investment that will strengthen American food supply chains, increase independent meat processing capacity, create more, new and better markets for producers, and lower food costs.
“South Carolina is excited to receive over $2.3 Million in this round of Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) funding,” said USDA Rural Development South Carolina Acting State Director George W. Hicks, Jr. “This award will help Tomahawk Processing LLC offset their operating costs and will create more food supply chain options for South Carolinians.”
Tomahawk Processing, LLC, a new beef slaughter, processing, and cold storage business based in rural South Carolina, was established in 2023 to serve local producers who lack consistent processing options, including underserved producers. As a result of this MPPEP - Phase 2 investment, Tomahawk Processing, is receiving a $2,369,586 grant to provide USDA-inspected and value-added capabilities for those producers looking to sell their own beef. They expect to serve 12 new producers and create 9 full time jobs because of this project.
“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are advancing a sustainable vision of agriculture that prioritizes the needs of hardworking producers and small businesses and keeps rural communities strong,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Thanks to historic resources from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, USDA is working to give farmers and ranchers a fairer chance to compete in the marketplace, which will increase local food options and lower costs for American families.”
The investments are part of USDA’s efforts to create a more competitive agricultural system, advance President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, and support the Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain, which dedicates resources to expand independent processing capacity. Together these actions help to lower food costs by spurring competition and strengthening supply chains.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, promoting competition and fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America.
Source : usda.gov