ALBANY, N.Y. — Recently, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation announced that about $4.7 million is available for projects that expand existing or establish new meat processing facilities through the Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program.
The program was initially created to expand the volume of New York’s processing facilities and to support beef, pork, poultry, and other meat producers.
This second round of the grant program builds on the nearly $5 million that was awarded to 6 projects in 2023 and expands applicant eligibility and project activities, the NYSDAM said in the announcement. The program application and further details can be found on the HVADC website.
“As a critical component of our food supply chain, New York’s meat processors play a significant role in ensuring that nutritious food reaches consumers’ tables,” New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said. “Over the past few years, we have made it a priority to provide this industry with the resources needed to grow and meet consumer demand, while supporting our producers. This next round of funding expands eligibility to reach more New York businesses, helping them strengthen their operations, expand their businesses, and make New York meat products more affordable to our communities. I encourage all New Yorkers processors who are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity.”
The initiative aims to scale local processing capacity and related infrastructure, making New York State meat, such as beef, pork, poultry, lamb, and goat, more accessible and affordable to consumers, schools, and local institutions, NYSDAM added.
“This second round of the MPEG program will help to further strengthen market viability for local meat producers across the state,” Mary Ann Johnson, HVADC deputy director, said. “We have seen an increased demand for meat processing services, and, at times, farmers have had to scramble to find capacity at USDA-inspected meat processing facilities. The capacity gap has, in the past, restricted getting product to market, while, at the same time, there is an increased consumer demand for more locally sourced meat.”
To address certain food supply chain challenges brought up during the COVID-19 pandemic and the shortage of meat processing facilities, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Sen. Michelle Hinchey supported legislation in 2022 to create the multi-million-dollar MPEG program. The grant program is funded by the Department and administered by the HVADC, NYSDAM noted.
“I’ve talked with meat producers across New York State about how hard it is to get their products to market when there aren’t enough local processing facilities nearby. We created the Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program in direct response to build more processing capacity and support these businesses, which are incredibly important to our economy and food supply,” Hinchey said. “With the first round’s success, we’re proud to announce a second round of funding that will keep opening up new opportunities for our meat producers, while helping bring down costs for consumers through a stronger, more reliable supply chain. Thanks to Ag and Markets and the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation for their work to administer this grant, and I encourage every meat producer in New York to apply.”
The program will support New York’s agricultural economy, strengthen the food supply chain and advance rural communities by including support for the improvement of the labor force and safety upgrades at facilities.
Funding is available for capital projects, such as the purchase and installation of machinery, equipment and fixtures, or leasehold improvements, and awards will range from $50,000 to $250,000, the NYSDAM stated.
The application is open until Sept. 23 at 5pm. For more information and to apply, visit the HVADC website, at www.hvadc.org.
