How much funding does Local Meat Processing Support Program provide?

The listing does not state a funding amount. Check the funder's announcement for specifics.

When is the deadline for Local Meat Processing Support Program?

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Local Meat Processing Support Program

Berkshire Agricultural Ventures Inc

Foundation Agriculture Grants Small Business Grants Workforce Development Grants

Funding Amount

Not stated

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Other requirements

Berkshire-Taconic Region (Massachusetts and Connecticut area)
Meat processors
Livestock farmers
Stakeholders in the local livestock/meat supply chain

Overview

Purpose: Aims to improve processing bottlenecks for livestock farmers in the Berkshire-Taconic Region, supporting livestock producer viability and the availability of local meat products for consumers.

Background: The program emerged from feasibility studies performed by Kitchen Table Consultants, a nationally recognized food and farm business consultancy. BAV was awarded a USDA Regional Food System Partnership (RFSP) grant as a direct follow-up to these studies.

Program Components

The cornerstone of the program includes:

Technical assistance for existing meat processors
Support applying for state and federal grants
Low-interest flexible loans for:
- Plant improvement
- Working capital
- New equipment
- Updated food safety plans
- Workforce training and retention

Key Initiatives

Livestock Working Group (LWG): Convened 10 members across the regional meat processing value-chain who met bi-monthly for 2.5 years. Identified key areas needing support:

Workforce development
Transportation/logistics
Expanded cold storage
Aggregation or co-branding systems
Increased value-added production opportunities

Value Added Processing and Cold Storage Expansion Study: BAV contracted Food Works Group (FWG) to conduct a landscape analysis and feasibility study for expanding value-added production opportunities and cold storage for livestock farmers. Currently actively implementing these findings.

Geographic Scope

Berkshire-Taconic Region (Massachusetts and Connecticut area)

Eligibility

Meat processors
Livestock farmers
Stakeholders in the local livestock/meat supply chain

Contact

Jake Levin, Local Meat Processing Support Program Manager

Email: jake@berkshireagventures.org
Organization: Berkshire Agricultural Ventures
Address: 4 Castle Street, Suite 215, Great Barrington, MA 01230
Phone: 413.645.3594

How to Apply

Fill out an inquiry form if you are a meat processor, livestock farmer, or stakeholder in the local livestock/meat supply chain and are interested in receiving technical assistance or financial support
Contact the Program Manager for questions or to discuss your specific needs:
- Jake Levin, Local Meat Processing Support Program Manager
- Email: jake@berkshireagventures.org
Access resources at the Local Meat Processing Resources page for:
- Processing directory
- Resource guide
- The Meat Up newsletter
- Listserv
- Additional information

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What Berkshire Agricultural Ventures Inc actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 7
Total given: $128K
Median grant: $15K
Range: $6,500–$32K

By dollars: Massachusetts 88%, New York 12%. Top recipient cities: Great Barrington, MA; North Adams, MA; Pittsfield, MA.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

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