U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Funding for Meat and Poultry Processing in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced funding for two Minnesota-based agricultural projects through the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). The grants, totaling $2 million, will increase meat processing capacity, help Minnesota farmers access new markets, and create dozens of new jobs.

"Minnesota's meat and poultry products help feed the nation and the world," said Klobuchar. "This new funding will make it easier for our processors to bolster their capacity and get their high quality meats to new markets."

"Minnesota has long been a linchpin in America's agricultural market, and I'm proud to advocate for projects that allow farmers in Minnesota to expand their production and processing capabilities," said Senator Smith."Through these innovative projects, this funding will create more jobs in our agriculture workforce and support Minnesota producers breaking into new markets."

"Clean Chickens and Co. LLC has been approved for federal funding from the USDA Meat Poultry and Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP-2). We have been working on this project for nearly 4 years and are grateful for all of the help we received along the way," said Greg Wierschke, a grant recipient from Clean Chickens and Co. LLC in Elk River."More specifically, this project is needed to build the goat and lamb slaughter facility in Willmar, which will help central Minnesota economically and culturally by allowing us to process goats and sheep for producers and to supply fresh, on-demand meat to our Minnesota communities and Ethnic families. Stay tuned for more details to come this fall regarding the grand opening date, tote services offered, and scheduling. Thank you again for all your support!"

Two Minnesota producers will receive of a total of nearly $2 million in MPPEP - Phase 2 funding:

• Clean Chickens and Co. LLC will receive $1,026,730 to construct a lamb and goat processing facility, resulting in the creation of 18 new jobs and helping local farmers access new markets.
• Farmers Union Foundation will receive $603,582 for a new red meat processing facility. The Foundation, which operates an existing network of agricultural businesses across Minnesota, will create 15 new jobs and operate an apprenticeship program in partnership with Central Lakes College at their new facility.

The funding is part of a $110 million package from USDA to expand independent meat processing capacity, increase competition in the agricultural market, and lower food costs in the U.S., thanks to President Biden's American Rescue Plan. The Administration has already invested over $700 million in 48 states through this initiative, including Minnesota.

USDA's Rural Development has provided over $291.4 million in awards through MPPEP to expand processing capacity and strengthen the food supply chain in the U.S.

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