LINCOLN, NEB. — The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) announced a total of nearly $5 million of grants given to 64 local meat processing facilities. The grants are funded through the first round of the Independent Processor Assistance Program (IPAP), which is designed to support the growth of meat processing in Nebraska.

Recipients needed to be a USDA-FSIS facility or a federally regulated custom-exempt facility in Nebraska with annual revenue of less than $2.5 million and under 25 employees.

“Nebraska livestock producers and meat processors continue to find ways to strengthen the nation’s food supply,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “Through these grants, meat processing facilities can implement projects that will benefit meat processing efforts today and strengthen the industry for tomorrow. These grants serve as a reminder that Nebraska is committed to the meat processing industry, and we value its importance to agriculture.”

NDA plans to award a total $9.8 million in grants through the Independent Processor Assistance Program (IPAP), which is funded through a portion of the state’s share of American Rescue Plan Act federal funds. A second round of grants will be disbursed in the first half of 2023.

Previous grant recipients will be eligible for upcoming funding rounds, but preference will be given to applicants not yet awarded, NDA said.