Earlier this week, the Oregon Department of Agriculture launched the application period for the new Oregon Meat Processing Infrastructure and Capacity Building Grant. That application window runs until Mach 23rd at noon Pacific.

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The ODA’s Theresa Yoshioka said the grant comes via a $2 million investment from the 2021 Oregon Legislature's state funding package. She noted the pandemic highlighted the need for more options in meat processing for livestock raised in Oregon, and this grant will help in a variety of ways.

“One is to try and create options so that producers have more places that they can take their meat for processing within the state.  And then also, looking at what our meat processors need to be stronger and expand capacity.”

Grant awards will be capped at $500,000.

The Oregon Meat Processing Infrastructure and Capacity Building Grant are open to all Oregon meat processors, including slaughter facilities who fall into one of three categories:

  • Those planning to expand meat processing capacity to include animals raised in Oregon who also plan to operate under the State Meat Inspection Program; or 
  • Those planning to build a new establishment to process animals raised in Oregon who also plan to operate under the State Meat Inspection Program; or 
  • An official federal establishment is operating under USDA inspection also planning to increase meat processing from animals raised in Oregon.

Yoshioka added meat processors interested in grant money should not wait to apply.

“Two million dollars, it sounds like a lot, but meat processing facilities, equipment, all of those things are very expensive.  So, we expect the need to be greater than this grant can supply.  One of the things that we’re really doing is watching the federal programs that are opening up and so we will be also sharing any federal programs information on our website.”

Click Here to learn more about Oregon's program.

According to ODA director Alexis Taylor, this investment will help support the long-term economic and market development.  

“These critical resources will expand Oregon’s regional meat processing capacity and strengthen our food supply chain from disruptions we saw early on in the pandemic,” Taylor noted. “I am excited to see the proposals we receive which will support our rural economies, open new markets for Oregon products, and connect local consumers with local producers and products.”

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