The USDA is making available up to $215 million in grants and other support to expand meat and poultry processing options in rural areas. The funds will be used to help with startup and expansion activities in the meat processing sector, provide workforce development and training, and offer technical assistance to grant applicants and other seeking resources related to meat and poultry processing. Grant Breitkreutz the Minnesota Cattlemen’s Association President says this is a step in the right direction.

He says he’s excited as the funds help with the labor shortages the industry is facing.

He also notes Minnesota has been fortunate in recent years with some expansion of meatpackers and processors but says there is more work to be done.

All application materials can be found at www.rd.usda.gov/mppep or at www.grants.gov. Applications must be received by April 11, 2022.