MONTGOMERY, ALA. – The Alabama Agricultural Development Authority (AADA) recently stated it would take applications for a second round of its Alabama Meat Processing Program, which will run until June 14.

The state agency said the program comes from a $15 million award allocated by the US Department of Agriculture through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP).

The loans can be used to purchase or construct new facilities, expand existing facilities, purchase new equipment, cover start-up costs and hire additional employees.

“We were encouraged by the interest and complexity of the projects in round one,” said Rick Pate, commissioner of agriculture and industries. “I look forward to the results from Phase II. I continue to encourage business owners who are currently engaged in or thinking of starting to process meat (cattle, swine or poultry) to apply.”

AADA explained that its mission with the AMPP was to expand opportunities for Alabama’s meat producers and improve the marketing of its products. The funding was designed to boost Alabama’s rural economy by financing small business owners who want to expand or start slaughter or processing facilities.

Details about the loan application can be found here.