We're no longer accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2023 program. Details on this page apply to the Fiscal Year 2023 round of funding. The next application period opens in 2023.
The AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing Grant offers designated grants to facilitate the start-up, modernization, or expansion of meat, poultry, egg, and milk processing businesses. The intent of the program is to increase sales of Minnesota-raised livestock products by investing in equipment and physical improvements that support processing, capacity, market diversification, and market access.
Eligibility and funding priorities
Individuals, farmers, businesses, agricultural cooperatives, non-profits, educational institutions, local governments, and Tribal Governments are eligible to apply.
You must explain how your project will increase the sales of Minnesota-raised livestock products and/or increase market access. This program aims to fund projects that impact many farmers.
We will prioritize projects that create additional meat/poultry slaughter capacity in addition to projects that increase access to Kosher/Halal markets.
Amount available
We expect to award up to $1.4 million in Fiscal Year 2023. The minimum award is $1,000 and the maximum award is $150,000.
This grant requires a cash match. For the match:
- You are responsible for 50% of the first $50,000 to receive up to a $25,000 reimbursement.
- For costs after the first $50,000, you are responsible for 75% of the total remaining cost to receive 25% reimbursement, up to a maximum grant award of $150,000.
Applying
The Fiscal Year 2023 application period has ended. We expect the next application period to begin in fall 2023; check back for updated program materials.
To learn more about the program and start planning for next year, read last year's Request for Proposals (PDF) This grant program is subject to change so you should read the updated RFP when it's posted. You can also review the list of past projects and request a copy of an application to help you prepare.
If you need this information in an alternative format, please contact the program administrator.
Relationship to the AGRI Value-Added Grant
Meat, poultry, egg, and milk processors may also apply for the AGRI Value-Added Grant, but livestock-related applicants will not be prioritized as they have in past years. The AGRI Value-Added Grant is open to all eligible value-added businesses (including bioenergy producers) to invest in equipment, with the same intent of increasing sales of Minnesota agricultural products by investing in production capacity, market diversification, and market access for value-added products.
If an application is not selected or is only partially funded for the AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing Grant, it will automatically be considered for the AGRI Value-Added Grant expected to launch in winter 2023. We will send out reviewer comments and applications may be revised until the deadline.
