(WKYT) – Four Kentucky meat processors will receive Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program grants.
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Travis Burton announced the grants on Monday.
“Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary [Brooke] Rollins, USDA is working tirelessly to increase local food options and lower costs for Kentucky families while helping farmers and agricultural producers have a better chance to compete,” Burton said.
Shell said the grants are essential for Kentucky’s meat production.
“Kentucky farmers raise some of the finest livestock in America, and we want to make sure they have every opportunity to get those products to market,” he said. “Expanding local processing capacity means more competition, more options for our producers and a stronger food supply chain.”
The grants will total almost $800,000 and were awarded to Central KY Custom Meats, Marksbury Farm Foods, Riverview Meat Company and Kentucky Meatsmith.
The companies will use the grants to purchase new equipment and improve their processing operations.
The USDA has awarded more than $200 million through the program to help independent meat processors expand their capacity.
