Meat Processing Expansion Grants Available through HVADC

The Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) is now administrating the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program. Applications are now open for this program, and producers state-wide may apply through HVADC.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Grant program helps to fund projects to support the expansion or retention of existing USDA inspected meat processing facilities and the establishment of new USDA inspected meat processing facilities in the state to increase the capacity of New York sourced meat. This addresses the nationwide shortage of affordable meat available to consumers, including the availability of protein sources for schools and institutional facilities in the state. The grant program will make it easier for beef, pork, lamb, goats, poultry, and seafood farmers to process their products and get affordable, local meat into a variety markets, strengthening New York’s food supply chain and rural economies.

“Across the state, and in particularly here in the Hudson Valley, we have seen an increased demand for meat processing services as consumer demand for more locally sourced products has increased in the past three to five years,” said Todd Erling, Executive Director, HVADC. “At times it has been difficult for farmers to find capacity at USDA inspected meat processing facilities, which has restricted getting product to market. This grant program will go a long way in bolstering market viability for livestock farmers across the state,” he added.

For meat processors, this grant program is available for capital projects that can range from $50,000 to $250,000 on a reimbursement basis. For grants of less than $100,000, a 10% recipient match is required. For grants of $100,000 to $250,000, a 20% recipient match is required. Grant funds may be used for the acquisition and installation of machinery, equipment and fixtures, or installation, renovation/leasehold improvements to an existing building. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis, and funding will be awarded on a competitive basis. Funds will be available until state funds have been exhausted.

To be eligible for the grant program applicants must be involved in the processing of meat products and be a legally recognized business entity organization in New York State in good standing. Those with current USDA inspection status or seeking to become a USDA-inspected processor may apply. Applicants must submit a detailed project plan or proposal that outlines the expansion, retention or establishment of a USDA inspected meat processing facility in New York State, including a detailed budget and timeline for the project. They must also demonstrate how their proposed project will increase the capacity of New York State sourced meat.

To learn more about the Meat Processing Expansion Grant program, or to apply, visit https://www.hvadc.org/nys-meat-processing-grant or contact Duane Stanton, HVADC Business Services Coordinator at dstanton@hvadc.org.

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About HVADCThe HVADC is the region’s sole economic development agency with a specific focus on the viability of the agricultural economy in the Hudson Valley. It assists both new and existing agri-businesses such as farms, food businesses and food distributors, by providing technical and business consultation, access to capital, and resources. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the non-profit promotes balanced, market-based solutions that lead to enhanced agricultural entrepreneurship, rural economic growth, diversity inclusion, and community enhancement.  For more information, please visit: www.Hvadc.org.