The grant could provide up to $5,000,000.
The purpose of this program is to build resilience in the meat and poultry supply chain by increasing processing capacity and promoting more competition in the sector. This program is part of the broader Biden-Harris Administration $1 billion investment to expand processing capacity for small and midsized meat and poultry processors. Given that the meat and poultry processing sector is particularly vulnerable to disruption, increasing capacity and promoting competition is a high priority for USDA. Based on public input, USDA identified an urgent need to expand and diversify meat and poultry processing capacity; increase producer income; provide producers an opportunity to have ownership in processing facilities; create stable, well-paying jobs in rural regions; improve worker health, safety, training, and wages for meatpacking jobs; spur collaboration among producers and workers; prompt State, Tribal, and private co-investment; and provide consumers with more choices.