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Grants available to Nebraska small and medium-sized processors expand capacity

Ricketts/Wellman at processor

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is making nearly $10 million available to small and medium-sized meat processors through a new grant program.

Director Steve Wellman tells Brownfield the funds will support projects that help improve or expand processing capacity. “These grants are very targeted for a sector for our meat processing that has carried a big load through the COVID-19 pandemic. They have really seen an increase in demand for their services because of consumers’ preferences to buy meat directly from farmers.”

NDA began accepting applications for Independent Processor Assistance Program Grants on July 5 and must be received by August 12, 2022.

He says processors could be awarded up to $80,000 for expenses that occurred after August 28, 2021. “It can be anything from capital improvements to the building, infrastructure inside the building like utilities, water and electricity, packing and handling equipment and rendering process if they need some improvements on rendering products.”

Eligible processors must be custom-exempt or a USDA-FSIS facility, domiciled in the State of Nebraska, be in good standing with the Secretary of State, annual revenue must be lass than $2.5 million and employ fewer than 25 people.

NDA says the funding will be through the state’s portion of the American Rescue Plan Act.

To apply or for more information NDA’s website.

Steve Wellman, NDA Director:

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