ALBANY, NY. — The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corp. (HVADC) announced on Dec. 4 an investment of $4.25 million to support meat processing capacity across the state of New York.

The investment will be distributed to 26 projects in 19 counties through the Meat Processing Expansion Grant Program, which is anticipated to grow businesses’ processing capacity by over 4.8 million lbs annually.

HVADC is administering the state program, which helps processors expand existing or establish new meat processing facilities. The program works to address the nationwide shortage of affordable meat available to consumers by strengthening New York’s food supply chain and rural economies.

HVADC received 39 applications from all over the state, requesting over $7 million.

Grants were given to 19 businesses that currently operate with USDA inspection status looking to expand operations, three processors with existing facilities seeking to move to USDA-inspected status and four start-up processors that are planning USDA-inspected status by the end of the project.

“For those who did not have the opportunity to apply, or were not awarded, there are other resources available for meat processors, such as the USDA Rural Development’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program, which is still open,” said Todd Erling, executive director of HVADC. “We are available to help guide anyone who is interested in learning more about those sources to the appropriate organizations.”