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The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Alexis Taylor announces the launch of a six-week application period (February 9 – March 23 Noon PT) for the new Oregon Meat Processing Infrastructure and Capacity Building Grant. The $2 million investment comes from the 2021 Oregon Legislature's state funding package. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for more options in meat processing for livestock raised in Oregon.
“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,” said Taylor. “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.”
Grant awards will be capped at $500,000, recognizing the significant investment meat processing facilities and equipment requires. ODA anticipates the requests will exceed available funds; however, this investment will help support the long-term economic and market development.
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.
In addition to the grant, ODA has also completed a draft plan to start a State Meat Inspection Program that is expected to begin in July 2022. The state's program will be equal to USDA in all its requirements. Stay tuned for updates from ODA. For more information about USDA requirements, please visit https://oda.fyi/cyz.
For the grant application form and more information about the Oregon Meat Processing Infrastructure and Capacity Grant, please visit the Oregon Meat Initiative webpage.
For additional questions or to receive a paper application, please contact ODA Trade Development Manager Gary Neuschwander at gary.neuschwander@oda.oregon.gov or call (503) 551-1706.
Source: Oregon Department of Agriculture