MECHANICSBURG, PA — Dozens of small Pennsylvania meat processors are expanding operations and increasing local food supply capacity with state grant funding aimed at reducing processing delays and supporting local farms.
What This Means for You
- More locally produced meat may become available in your area
- Small farms can process and sell products closer to home
- New grant funding is opening soon for eligible businesses
State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding highlighted the impact Thursday during a visit to Route 174 Roadside Market in Cumberland County, one of 54 businesses supported through the Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program.
The program reimburses small meat processors for costs tied to expanding operations or meeting federal food safety requirements. These requirements are rules set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure meat is safely processed and handled before reaching consumers.
How the Grants Are Being Used
At Route 174 Roadside Market, a fourth-generation family farm received a $100,000 grant in 2022 to expand its processing capabilities.
The funding allowed the business to add a butchering room, increase cold storage capacity, and install equipment to sell directly to customers, helping meet growing demand for locally produced meat.
“During the pandemic we could not get our cattle processed to keep up with the demand in the store,” said owner Steve Paulus. “We decided we needed to do as much of the process here on the farm as possible.”
Addressing Processing Bottlenecks
State officials said the grants help reduce processing bottlenecks, which occur when limited capacity at large, federally inspected facilities delays livestock processing.
Since 2019, the state has invested more than $3.1 million in 54 small processing businesses through the program.
Officials said increasing local processing capacity can shorten the time livestock producers wait to bring products to market and keep more revenue within Pennsylvania communities.
Next Funding Round
The Department of Agriculture said $500,000 in funding will be available for the 2025–26 grant cycle, with awards of up to $100,000 per business.
Applications will open Monday, March 23, and must be submitted through the state’s Single Application for Assistance system by Friday, May 8.
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