The USDA has announced the availability of up to $125 million through two new grant programs—the Local Meat Capacity Grant Program and the Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program—to invest in independent, local meat and poultry processing projects that will increase competition and enhance the resiliency of the food supply chain.
The Local Meat Capacity Grant program will provide up to $75 million in grants to fund innovative projects designed to build resilience in the meat and poultry supply chain by providing producers with more local processing options and strengthening their market potential.
The grants will fund expansion and equipment-only projects chosen through a competitive process. The USDA encourages applicants to engage with livestock producers, especially small and underserved ranchers. For more information, go to Local MCap webpage. Applications will be accepted through July 19, 2023.
 | USDA Working to Develop Circular Bioeconomies |
The Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program will provide up to $50 million to improve tribal nations’ food and agricultural supply chain resiliency by developing and expanding value-added infrastructure related to meat from indigenous animals like bison, reindeer, or salmon. It will fund projects that focus on expanding local capacity for the harvesting, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of indigenous meats.
Eligible applicants include Indian tribes, as defined by the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, as well as wholly owned arms and instrumentalities, and joint or multi-tribal government entities. More information is available on USDA’s Indigenous Animals Grants webpage. Applications will be accepted through July 19, 2023.
