New York is making more than $4.7 million available to help expand meat processing facilities across the state.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation announced the second round of the Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program, which is designed to increase processing capacity for beef, pork, lamb, goat, poultry and other meats produced in New York.
The program builds on nearly $5 million awarded to 26 projects in 2023 and broadens both applicant eligibility and the types of projects that qualify for funding.
Officials say the grants are intended to strengthen New York’s agricultural economy by increasing local meat processing capacity, improving the food supply chain, supporting rural communities and making locally produced meat more accessible to consumers, schools and other institutions.
Funding can be used for capital improvements, including the purchase and installation of machinery, equipment and fixtures, leasehold improvements, workforce development initiatives and safety upgrades at processing facilities.
Individual grants will range from $50,000 to $250,000.
Applications are now being accepted and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on September 23.
