COLUMBUS, OHIO — The state of Ohio is investing $14 million in the expansion of local meat processing through the fourth round of the Ohio Meat Processing Program.

In this round of funding, 51 Ohio meat processors are receiving grants to support the construction of new facilities or upgrades at existing plants. Eligible costs include new and upgraded machinery, other equipment and technology products, and plant construction or expansion for confinement, processing and refrigeration.

"Much of our meat today comes from large industrial farms and processors, and these grants help local farmers in Ohio serve their local customers with locally grown, high-quality meats,” said Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted. “These grants allow small businesses to create the efficiency and productivity they need to compete and provide locally grown food at an affordable price.” 

The Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program formed in 2022 and is administered by the Ohio Department of Development in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. In sum, the four rounds of the program have distributed 179 grants to meat processors in 62 of Ohio’s 88 counties, totaling nearly $42 million.