Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant

The Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to strengthen and expand the state's meat and poultry processing infrastructure. This program targets very small processors, aiming to support both existing operations and new ventures through reimbursement funding. Eligible applicants may receive up to $100,000 to assist with costs tied to opening or expanding processing facilities, as well as costs associated with achieving or maintaining a USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) grant of inspection. The primary objectives of the grant are to expand processing capacity, improve food safety compliance, and support local agricultural producers by enhancing the availability of Pennsylvania-produced meat and poultry products. Funds can be used for a variety of eligible costs including consulting and technical support services related to FSIS compliance, professional employee training, and up to 85% of the cost for slaughter or processing equipment or supplies. Costs related to construction or building modification are not eligible. Additionally, grants may not be used to cover salaries, wages, or costs already reimbursed under other federal or state grants. The program opens for applications on March 23, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. and closes on May 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Applicants are required to submit their applications through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Electronic Single Application portal. All application components, including eligibility information, detailed project narratives, budget proposals, timelines, and signed attestations regarding compliance with FSIS regulations, must be submitted in the Addenda section of the portal. Applicants must demonstrate their eligibility by either currently operating under a grant of inspection or committing to obtain such a grant as part of the funded project. Projects must demonstrate their potential to enhance the availability of meat and poultry products in Pennsylvania, support underserved areas such as food deserts, and provide measurable improvements in slaughter or processing capacity. Applications will be evaluated based on a 100-point scale considering project feasibility, completeness, potential community and producer impact, and enhancement of local meat and poultry availability. Applicants should clearly outline the tasks, responsible personnel, and project deliverables within the application. Potential applicants with questions should contact Zach Myers at [email protected] for further guidance. Full application instructions, FAQs, and required documents are available through the program’s official webpage and DCED portal.