The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corp. are announcing that HVADC has awarded $4.25 million to 26 projects in 19 counties across New York through the Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program. HVADC is administering this state program, which helps processors to expand existing or establish new meat processing facilities. The Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program was sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey to increase capacity of New York’s processing facilities and support agribusinesses.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program is a key component of the Department’s work to ensure that New York has a resilient, local food supply chain, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to a great partnership with HVADC, and with the support of Senator Hinchey, we are proud to see this program move forward and award some exciting projects. This funding will help to grow businesses across the state, support our farmers and producers, and ultimately increase New Yorkers’ access to high quality, locally sourced meat.”