ALBANY- New York is making a major investment in its meat processing industry, announcing more than $4.7 million in grants to help businesses expand existing facilities or establish new processing operations across the state.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, in partnership with the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation, on Wednesday launched the second round of its Meat Processing Expansion Grant (MPEG) Program. The funding is aimed at increasing processing capacity for beef, pork and other meat products while strengthening the state’s food supply chain.
The program builds on nearly $5 million awarded to 26 projects in 2023 and broadens both applicant eligibility and the types of projects eligible for funding.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said the investment reflects the state’s continued commitment to supporting an industry that plays a vital role in getting locally produced food to consumers.
“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,” Ball said. “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.”
State officials said the grants are intended to help processors modernize facilities, increase production capacity, and better serve New York livestock producers, who have faced processing bottlenecks in recent years as demand for locally raised meat has grown.
Applications for the latest round of funding are now open through the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation, which administers the program on behalf of the state.
To learn more about the Meat Processing Expansion Grant program, or to apply, visit https://www.hvadc.org/nys-meat-processing-grant.