Jul 20, 2026
Closing the Capacity Gap for Farmers
On behalf of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets HVADC is administrating the NYS Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program (MPEG) Round 2. Over $4.7 is available for projects that expand existing or establish new meat processing facilities. MPEG was created to increase the capacity of New York’s processing facilities and to support beef, pork, and other meat producers. This second round of the grant program builds on the nearly $5 million that was awarded to 26 projects through Round 1, also administrated by HVADC, in 2023 and expands applicant eligibility and project activities.
The initiative aims to scale local processing capacity and related infrastructure, making New York State meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, goat, poultry, and seafood more accessible and affordable to consumers, schools, and local institutions. The program will bolster New York’s agricultural economy, strengthen the food supply chain, and boost rural communities by including support for the development 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. Awards will range from $50,000 to $250,000. Applications opened on July 9, 2026 and will be accepted until September 23, 2026 at 5 p.m.
“This second round of the MPEG program will help to further strengthen market viability for local meat producers across the state. 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,” said Mary Ann Johnson, HVADC Deputy Director.
Processed products developed through the grant must contain a minimum of 51% raw agricultural ingredients grown or raised in New York State. Funds provided by this grant will be used to invest in the cost of construction, renovation, alteration, rehabilitation, improvements, installation, acquisition, repair or replacement of buildings, equipment, or permanent facilities to support the preparation, processing, packaging, and storage of processed New York meat products (beef, pork, lamb, goat, poultry, and seafood). Eligible entities include:
For-profit businesses currently operating under USDA-inspected, NYS 20C, or NYS 5A 20,000 Bird Small Enterprise Exemption licenses or who will secure such licensure during the grant period
Start-up enterprises; applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial and land resources and technical knowledge at the time of application
Nonprofit organizations that are currently generating revenue through the listed licensed meat processing-related activities
HVADC hosted the first of two informational Virtual Open Office Hours on July 22, with a second scheduled for August at 12:00 pm. To register for the webinar, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IVk3udi3TpW-iiGvnnaOnw
In making the announcement of the new round of funding, Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Ball said, “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. 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.”
To learn more about the Meat Processing Expansion Grant program, or to apply, visit https://www.hvadc.org/nys-meat-processing-grant.