MO Ag Department has grants for smaller processors

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MO Ag Department has grants for smaller processors

The Missouri Agriculture Department has set up a new Meat and Poultry Processing Grant program. Director Chris Chinn says the $20 million dollars in CARES Act funds will go directly to meat and poultry establishments with fewer than 200 people, “Custom exempt facilities can receive up to $20,000 maximum. State or federal inspected facilities can receive up to $100,000 maximum. And, state or federal inspected facilities that also harvest livestock can receive up to $200,000 maximum.”

Chinn says every part of the food system has been challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic and the funds will help smaller processors continue to meet the needs of producers and consumers.

“Examples of eligible expenses include but are not limited to capital improvements that expand capacity, utility upgrades like cold storage, processing equipment, packaging equipment and more.”

The grants will reimburse expenses for eligible new and existing meat and poultry processors incurred between March 1st and November 15th of this year. The deadline to apply is August 31st.

Director Chris Chinn at Governor Parson press conference ^^
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