The AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing (MPEM) Grant is designed to support the start-up, modernization, or expansion of processing businesses in Minnesota. Its purpose is to increase sales of Minnesota-raised livestock products by funding equipment purchases and physical improvements that enhance processing capacity, market diversification, and access. The grant prioritizes projects that create additional slaughter and processing capacity, improve access to kosher or halal markets, or contribute to food safety plans.
Funding ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 per grant, with a total of approximately $2 million available between this program and the Value-Added program. Equipment awards can be as high as $150,000 and as low as $1,000. Eligible expenses include purchasing and installing processing equipment for meat, poultry, eggs, or milk; contractor costs related to installation; refrigeration units; slaughter equipment; humane animal holding facilities; creamery equipment; grading and packaging machinery; egg sanitizing tools; traceability systems; and improvements that reduce food safety risks.
Applicants must conduct their projects within Minnesota and focus on increasing production capacity or expanding market opportunities for livestock products. Eligible applicants include individuals, farmers, businesses, agricultural cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, local governments, and tribal governments. This broad eligibility allows a wide range of stakeholders involved in livestock product processing to apply.
The grant supports projects that help processors meet growing demand while maintaining food safety standards. By investing in modern equipment and facility upgrades through this funding opportunity, applicants can improve operational efficiency and expand their customer base. The program encourages innovation in processing methods that align with consumer preferences such as kosher or halal certification.
Applications must be submitted by August 7th, 2025. Interested parties should review detailed guidelines provided by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to ensure compliance with all requirements. This grant offers an opportunity for processors in Minnesota’s meat, poultry, egg, and milk sectors to strengthen their businesses through targeted investments.
For more information about eligibility criteria and application procedures visit the MDA website at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/agri-mpem-processing. Potential applicants are encouraged to prepare proposals that clearly demonstrate how their projects will increase sales of Minnesota-raised livestock products while enhancing capacity or market access within the state.
