On January 5, the Biden administration announced $9.6 million in grants and loans for meat processing operations in the United States. The funds are reserved for small meatpackers, likely in conjunction with a governmental effort to expand and diversify the industry.

Between COVID-19 and drought-related slaughter, the last few years have disrupted meat production in the U.S. The new projects, including a Virginia farm and a Texas meatpacker, will support processing, direct-to-consumer sales and local producers. The number of local processing options was considered as funds were awarded.

According to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, additional funds may become available later in the year.

Read more about the project.