By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a nearly $1.2 million grant to Dundy County Processors, a family-owned meat processing facility in Nebraska. This investment aims to increase processing capacity, promote competition, and expand market opportunities for rural producers throughout the state.
"USDA is committed to increasing opportunities like this that benefit greater rural America," said Acting Nebraska State Director Joan Scheel. The grant will enable Dundy County Processors to construct a new facility and operate under federal inspection, significantly increasing production and creating seven new jobs. The company also expects to work with an additional 100 local producers.
This grant is part of the USDA's Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), a broader initiative launched in 2022 to strengthen the food supply chain. Since its inception, MPPEP has been awarded over $325 million to expand processing capacity across the country. These investments have already increased processing capacity for various livestock and benefitted nearly 900 additional producers, creating over 1,200 new jobs.
The USDA is committed to supporting a fair and competitive agricultural market. They have invested over $1.4 billion to bolster small and medium-sized processing facilities and improve market transparency.
Additionally, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has held roundtables to assist small businesses with federal regulations.
By supporting local processors like Dundy County Processors, the USDA aims to create a more resilient, diverse, and secure food supply chain in the United States.
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: Nebraska, Livestock, Beef Cattle