HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has announced the allocation of $592,282 in grants to seven small meat and poultry processing businesses across five counties. The funding, which comes from the Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program, aims to bolster local food systems by supporting processors in expanding operations, opening facilities, or meeting USDA inspection requirements.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding underscored the significance of these grants, stating, “This grant helps small meat and poultry processors meet growing demand from customers who want to buy local and keep their purchasing power at home, where it feeds their local economy. By investing in hometown food processing businesses, the Shapiro Administration is not only increasing opportunities for farmers and food processors to stay competitive, we are shortening supply chains, reducing transportation costs, and ensuring a more reliable, sustainable food supply in Pennsylvania.”
The program underscores the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to positioning agriculture as a pillar of Pennsylvania’s economic growth. Since its inception in 2019, the grant initiative has provided over $3.2 million in funding to 54 small processors. This effort is part of the broader, $13.8 million annual Pennsylvania Farm Bill, which supports workforce development, infrastructure expansion, and marketing opportunities for the state’s agriculture industry.
Beyond the scope of this grant program, the Administration has prioritized agriculture with landmark investments, such as the creation of a $10 million Agriculture Innovation Program to foster technological advancements and an Organic Center for Excellence to support the growth of organic farming. These initiatives are part of a statewide strategy to drive economic development through agriculture.
The newest grant recipients include businesses in Bradford, Centre, Dauphin, Westmoreland, and York counties. Among them, Le Raysville Meat and Cheese in Bradford County will receive $78,878, while Moin Halal Meat in Harrisburg and Cabin Hollow Butcher Shop in Dillsburg were awarded $100,000 each. Other recipients include Mark’s Custom Meats and Penns Valley Meat Market in Centre County, as well as B & P Quality Meats and Weimer Meats in Westmoreland County, receiving grants ranging between $50,854 and $93,769.
These investments address not only the needs of local processors but also the broader challenges facing Pennsylvania’s agricultural landscape. By supporting small processors, the state enhances its food supply resilience, reduces reliance on external supply chains, and strengthens the economic ties between farmers, processors, and local consumers. Additionally, the grants contribute to maintaining critical infrastructure, enabling more businesses to attain USDA inspection status and expand their market reach.
Looking forward, Pennsylvania’s commitment to agriculture remains steadfast. Through targeted investments and initiatives under the PA Farm Bill, the state aims to build a more innovative, resilient, and competitive food and agriculture sector that will benefit farmers, processors, and consumers alike.
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