LINCOLN, NEB. — The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is investing $5.1 million to fund the expansion and improvements of Nebraska meat processing establishments.

The grant funding will be available through the Independent Processor Assistance Program (IPAP), which comes from American Rescue Plan Act funds.

“From increasing freezer capacity to adding meat grinders, slicers and a smokehouse, Nebraska livestock producers and meat processors used the last round of IPAP grant funds to strengthen and expand their operations,” said Sherry Vinton, NDA director. “I’m impressed with the creative ideas used to support Nebraska’s food supply. This next round of grants will allow Nebraska producers and meat processors to implement even more projects to benefit meat processing today and strengthen the industry for tomorrow.”

IPAP grants can cover improvements, enhancements or expansions that will increase harvest capacity and/or the variety of products offered. Individual grants could be awarded up to $100,000 for eligible expenses incurred after Aug. 28, 2021.

To be eligible for IPAP grants, Nebraska processors must currently be operating as either a USDA-FSIS facility or a federally regulated custom-exempt slaughter and processing facility, while also complying with federal regulations. The processor’s existing sales revenue must be less than $2.5 million with fewer than 25 employees.

Previous recipients of grant funding will be eligible to apply, but preference will be given to applicants who have not previously been awarded.

NDA will accept grant applications between Jan. 16 and Feb. 16. Recipients for this round of funding will be announced by the end of April.

Last year, grant funding from IPAP supported 62 livestock producers and meat processors.