The Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) recently approved an additional $21.9 million for 111 grant projects in 37 states through the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant Program (MPIRG), bringing the total investment to $54.6 million, according to an Aug. 31 press release.
Funds from the program will help meat and poultry processors grow and create new market opportunities, the release stated.
"The Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grants will help meat and poultry processors make necessary facility improvements, expand their businesses, and strengthen the nation’s food supply chain,” said Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. “These grants are one part of USDA’s meat and poultry supply chain initiatives and will contribute to our efforts to transform our food system.”
To support these initiatives, AMS is also inviting grantees and qualified participants in USDA's programs for the meat and poultry supply chain to apply for aid through the Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance Program, the release stated.
“USDA continues to build capacity and increase economic opportunity for small and midsized meat and poultry producers across the country,” said Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Jenny Lester Moffitt.
The Fork Food Lab in Portland, Maine, will use the grant funds to expand into a 42,000-square-foot facility meeting the requirements for a Federal Grant of Inspection (GOI), according to the release.
"The project is helping Fork Food Lab procure specialized equipment, assist five processors obtain federal GOIs for wholesale distribution, support startup operations, and provide ongoing training and technical assistance to processors positioned for wholesale," the agency said.
