U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins today announced $1.5 million to improve meat processing capacity in Michigan.
“USDA is committed to helping provide abundant and affordable food,” said Fewins. “By adding to local capacity and shortening the supply chain, we are keeping food dollars close to home, reducing transportation costs and boosting Michigan agriculture.”
Grower-owned cooperative Michigan Turkey Producers will use a $1,531,204 grant to help upgrade the hot water system, wastewater treatment facilities and refrigerated trailers to accommodate an expansion at its plant in Grand Rapids. With recent automation upgrades and the continuing expansion made possible by the grant, the plant will be able to add a shift and double its processing capacity to 10 million turkeys annually. The additional capacity also will allow the plant to provide back-up for other facilities of similar size in neighboring states.
The funds are provided through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program. This project is part of a $12 million investment to expand independent meat and poultry processing capacity in Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.