TAYLORSVILLE, UTAH — The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) recently announced that it would provide a $3 million grant to support Utah’s food supply chain and increase capacity for local foods.

In 2022, the Utah State Legislature appropriated $1 million to the UDAF for the grants, but continued success provided an additional $1 million in 2023 and 2024, making a total of $3 million. 

“Utah has severe processing deficits for locally produced agricultural products,” said Craig Buttars, commissioner of the UDAF. “Supporting the development of processing infrastructure is key to the long-term viability of the state’s agricultural producers, building a more secure regional food supply chain, and ensuring consumers have access to nutritious local products. This program has made immense impacts on the state’s food supply chain, and we are grateful for the continued support of the State Legislature.” 

During the 2024 application period UDAF received 113 applications totaling over $10 million in requests. To date, UDAF has received over $34 million in requests and has awarded $3 million in funding through 60 grants to businesses located throughout the state. 

Some of the 2024 meat-related recipients include: 

• 101 Custom Meats — Virgin, Utah (Washington Co.) 
• 3 Springs Land and Livestock — Kamas, Utah (Summit Co.) 
• Circle V Meat — Spanish Fork, Utah (Utah Co.)
• Davis Custom Meats — Ogden, Utah (Weber Co.) 
• Final Cut Meats — St. George, Utah (Washington Co.) 
• Juniper Meat Company — Willard, Utah (Box Elder Co.) 
• Utah Beef Producers — Richfield, Utah (Sevier Co.)