State Makes Available $20m in Meat Processing Grants

Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn announced the establishment of a grant program aimed at increasing slaughter capacity in the state. The Meat and Poultry Processing Grant Program is available for federally or state-inspected facilities, or custom-exempt processors, who have no more than 200 employees. Grants may reimburse utility upgrades, capital improvements, equipment involved in processing, handling, and warehousing, but may not cover building construction or land acquisition. Because funding is provided through the federal CARES Act, grants can also cover hazard pay for employees in facilities with positive cases of Covid-19, costs associated with sanitation and protective gear for employees, or testing. Three levels of grants are available, with a total of 20 million dollars allocated for the program. The deadline to apply for a grant is August 31st through the Missouri Department of Agriculture.