USDA announces grants to support independent meat and poultry processing

USDA announces grants to support independent meat and poultry processing

USDA’s latest investment to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity will impact 17 states including Brownfield states Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says 15 grants totaling $115 million are being awarded to help bolster markets for small and mid-sized farms.

“The notion of getting big or getting out just runs counter I think to the heritage of American agriculture.”

Vilsack announced the investments during a stop in Iowa Thursday, where he shared concerns about agriculture becoming more concentrated.