PA ​Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program

The PA Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program aims to support the development and expansion of very small meat and poultry processing operations in Pennsylvania. By offering grants up to $100,000, the program helps cover costs related to obtaining USDA inspections, starting new operations, or expanding existing ones. Eligible applicants must be current operators or those who will secure inspections upon project completion. This initiative promotes sustainable growth within the local food industry.

The Program's objective is to support the development and expansion of current or future very small meat and poultry processing operations in the Commonwealth by offering reimbursement grants to cover the cost associated with obtaining a grant of inspection from USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), opening a new very small meat and poultry processing operation, expanding the capacity of a current very small meat and poultry processing operation, or a combination of those purposes.
Grant reimbursement money is available for eligible costs associated with meeting the requirements to obtain a grant of inspection, opening a new very small meat and poultry processing operation, expanding the capacity of a current very small meat and poultry operation, or a combination of those purposes.
Funding
Grants are limited to no more than $100,000 per applicant.

Eligibility

An applicant may apply to receive reimbursement for eligible costs if the applicant is a very small meat and poultry processing operation and is either:Currently operating under a grant of inspection.Upon completion of the approved project, the applicant will obtain a grant of inspection. An applicant must attest to this eligibility requirement under penalty of law to receive reimbursement. A "Very small meat and poultry processing operation." Is defined as: A person operating under a grant of inspection that meets the definition of "very small establishment" as described in 9 CFR 381.65(g)(1)(i) (relating to operations and procedures, generally).The following costs are eligible for reimbursement:Consulting or other technical support services that directly support the development and maintenance of programs required to operate under a grant of inspection.Professional employee training and educational services and programs that support the development and maintenance of programs to operate under a grant of inspection. If a professional consultant is utilized, reasonable costs may be reimbursed, as determined by the department.Up to 85% of the purchase of meat or poultry slaughter or processing equipment or supplies. This does not include reimbursement of the costs of planning, erecting, repair or modification of a structure or building or repair of installation of roofing or other physical structure improvements.The purchase of equipment or supplies directly related to employee safety.

Ineligibility

Grants cannot be used to pay or reimburse wages or salaries, any in-kind contribution to the project, or any part of the project already reimbursed by another Federal or State grant program.