Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant
Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant supports Pennsylvania’s very small processors with startup, expansion, and inspection costs to improve producer services and consumer access to local products.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: September 19, 2026, 8 a.m. (Applications open) | November 6, 2026, 5 p.m. (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per applicant; $500,000 budgeted for FY 2026–2027
Summary: Reimbursement grants help very small Pennsylvania meat and poultry processors open, expand, and obtain USDA FSIS inspection.
Key Information: Only operation owners may receive funding, and USDA inspection is required before reimbursement.
Description
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture administers this reimbursement program to support the development and expansion of current or future very small meat and poultry processing operations in the Commonwealth. Grants cover eligible costs associated with opening an operation, increasing an existing operation’s capacity, obtaining a USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) grant of inspection, or combining these purposes.
Supported work includes inspection-related consulting and technical support, professional employee training, slaughter or processing equipment and supplies, and employee-safety equipment. The program prioritizes projects that increase or improve processing capacity and services for Pennsylvania livestock and poultry producers, while improving consumers’ access to Pennsylvania-produced meat and poultry products.
