AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing Grant

The AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing (MPEM) Grant offers designated grants to facilitate the start-up, modernization, or expansion of meat, poultry, egg, and milk processing businesses. The intent of the program is to increase sales of Minnesota-raised livestock products by investing in equipment and physical improvements that support processing, capacity, market diversification, and market access. Apply by October 23, 2024.

Eligibility and funding priorities

Eligible applicants include:Individuals
Farmers
Businesses
Agricultural cooperatives
Nonprofit organizations
Educational institutions
Local governments
Tribal governments

We will prioritize projects that:Create additional meat or poultry slaughter and processing capacity
Increase access to kosher or halal markets
Contribute to a food safety plan or increase food safety
Amount available

In fiscal year (FY) 2025, we expect to award $2.5 million through the AGRI Value-Added and AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk (MPEM) Grants. Of this amount, at least $1.17 million is set aside for meat, poultry, egg, and milk processing businesses.
Cash match

This grant requires a cash match. For the match:You are responsible for 50% of the first $50,000 to receive up to a $25,000 reimbursement.
For costs after the first $50,000, you are responsible for 75% of the total remaining cost to receive 25% reimbursement, up to a maximum grant award of $150,000.
Example:You are working on a project that is expected to cost $400,000.
We will reimburse $25,000 of the first $50,000 of expenses. After that, you would be eligible for $87,500 in grant reimbursement from the state and would have to contribute the remaining $262,500.
In total, you would be eligible for $112,500 from the state and you would pay for the other $287,500.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.