Straight from the Source: Press Release from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development
BOZEMAN, Mont. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is awarding more than $35 million in grants to 15 independent meat processors across 12 states, including Montana, to expand processing capacity, promote competition, and create jobs in rural communities. The funds are part of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), a key initiative funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to strengthen America’s food supply chain.
The investments announced today also advance the President’s Investing in America agenda and support the Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain, which dedicates resources to expand independent processing capacity.
“For the past four years, the Biden-Harris Administration has advanced a sustainable vision of agriculture that prioritizes the needs of the hardworking producers and small business owners who keep rural communities strong,” Secretary Vilsack said. “Through investments like these, USDA is working to give farmers and ranchers a fair chance to compete in the marketplace, which will increase local food options and lower grocery costs for American families.”
In Montana, Old Salt Meat Company, a business based in Helena, will receive funding through MPPEP Phase 2. With this investment, the company will establish a USDA-inspected slaughter facility, scale up its fabrication space, and expand cold storage capacity. This expansion is expected to help Old Salt Meat Company serve six new producers, create 29 full-time jobs, and increase access to locally raised beef for consumers across the state.
Kathleen Williams, Montana State Director for USDA Rural Development, emphasized the importance of this investment for the state’s rural communities. “This funding represents a significant opportunity for Montana. It allows ranchers to expand their operations while also ensuring that local communities benefit from job creation and greater access to sustainably raised, local meat,” Williams said. “At USDA, we are committed to strengthening our rural economy and supporting businesses like Old Salt Meat Company that are essential to sustaining our state’s agricultural traditions and building resilience for the future.”
Old Salt Meat Co-op operates not only as a processing facility but also includes a retail market and restaurant, allowing them to connect directly with consumers. The expansion of operations under USDA inspection will further their mission to deliver value to producers while supporting Montana’s economy.
“This support will help Old Salt Meats Co-op expand access to meat raised and processed with integrity in Montana” said Cole Mannix, President, Old Salt Meat Co-op. “It means more local jobs, more processing options for ranches, and a more resilient regional economy for meat.”
The grants announced marks the final investment under the MPPEP, which launched in 2022 as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader efforts to invest in rural America and build a more resilient food supply chain.
For more information on USDA Rural Development programs in Montana, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mt.
