Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant
Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant supports Iowa meat processors with equipment purchases to expand processing capacity and improve local farmers' processing opportunities.
Funder: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Due Dates: October 12, 2026 (Applications open) | November 20, 2026 (Application deadline) | Week of December 7, 2026 (Award announcements)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000 per awardee; $105,000 available for FY27; minimum 1:1 financial match
Summary: Supports equipment purchases that expand Iowa meat processing capacity and improve processing opportunities for local farmers.
Key Information: Reimbursement-only funding for businesses with fewer than 75 full-time nonseasonal employees; projects cannot begin before application submission.
Description
The Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant is administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). This funding round supports equipment for processing or storing meat, including refrigerators, freezers, meat processing machinery, and packaging equipment. Projects must create or expand meat processing opportunities or improve flexibility and convenience for local, small-scale processing facilities.
The program prioritizes job creation, technology that addresses workforce needs, and opportunities for farmers to process animals and market meat under private labels. Competitive projects demonstrate increased sales of Iowa agricultural products, benefits to farmers, and measurable short- and long-term impacts through jobs and investment in Iowa. Reviewers also consider potential negative effects on existing meat processing businesses.
