Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today announced nearly $600,000 in state funding for 10 small meat processors in eight Pennsylvania counties, helping businesses expand processing capacity, improve food and worker safety, and meet demand for local products. Redding also announced that applications are now open for the next round of the Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant program.
“Small processors are absolutely integral to Pennsylvania agriculture,” Sec. Redding said. “They create markets and lower transportation costs for farmers, keep food dollars in our communities, and give consumers more choices for locally produced meat. This funding helps businesses invest in their operations, and opening the next round means more Pennsylvania processors can build for the future.”
Pennsylvania supports a strong, competitive and resilient cattle industry, and strengthening domestic beef production is essential to the economic health of producers and rural communities and the long-term security of our food supply. These investments will strengthen Pennsylvania’s beef supply chain and expand local processing capacity at a time when market disruptions, tight cattle supplies and other challenges are putting pressure on the nation’s beef industry.
Since 2023, Pennsylvania has supported the expansion of 26 small businesses, investing more than $1.68 million through the program. The grants are just one of the $13.8 million in PA Farm Bill investments Governor Josh Shapiro has made each year since taking office, providing critical funds for rebuilding the workforce, and expanding processing infrastructure and marketing opportunities for Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry.
Source : pa.gov