Courtesy Photo / Kylie Kai, Center for Rural Affairs
Tubes of fresh-ground hamburger are produced at Oakland Meat Processors, one of several small-town locker plants hoping to benefit from a new state program.
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Cindy Gonzalez
Nebraska Examiner
OMAHA — The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has started to accept applications for nearly $10 million in grant money available for projects aimed at enhancing small meat processing facilities.
The Independent Processor Assistance Program grants come from Nebraska’s allotment of more than $1 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Eligible Nebraska facilities must have existing sales revenue less than $2.5 million and fewer than 25 employees. The applications must be received by Aug. 12.
“Nebraska is a leader in meat production and processing, which is a vital part of our nation’s food supply,” said Steve Wellman, director of the state Department of Agriculture. “Our livestock producers and meat processors have already faced many unique challenges created by the pandemic, and yet they continue to find solutions to keep the food chain operating.”
He expects the grants to strengthen the state’s meat processing industry.
The grant program, passed by the Nebraska Legislature this spring, provides about $9.8 million to small meat processors.
State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, who sponsored the legislation, has said the COVID-19 pandemic illustrated how easily the food chain can be disrupted, particularly when it comes to fresh beef and pork.
