Minnesota partner organizations who serve meat and poultry processors are encouraged to apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Meat Processing Train & Retain Grant.

The Meat Processing Train & Retain Grant program will award one-time funding to partner organizations that will work with small- to medium-sized meat and poultry processors in hiring and training new employees through the development of incentive projects like tuition reimbursements, sign-on and retention bonuses, and childcare stipends.

Eligible partner organizations include foundations engaged in economic development, community development financial institutions, federally recognized economic development districts, and community development corporations.

The MDA anticipates awarding up to $350,000 in Train & Retain Grants using a competitive review process. The maximum award amount is $250,000, and the minimum award amount is $10,000. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2026.

This grant program prioritizes organizations working in partnership with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; or whose efforts would target or serve meat or poultry processing operations that are in distressed communities, based on the Economic Innovation Group’s Distressed Communities Index (DCI).

Grant applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. Central Time on Monday, April 28, 2025. For further information and to submit your online application, visit the Meat Processing Train & Retain Grant web page.

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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-201-6694
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us