State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 11/30/2020 02:00 PM EST
41 Indiana meat processing businesses were awarded $4 million through the Indiana Meat Processing Expansion & Development Grant Program. This funding was allocated to offset the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local and small meat-processing agribusinesses in Indiana.
With a 50% cash match requirement for this grant opportunity, a total of at least $8 million will be invested in the Indiana small meat processing economy as a result of the grant program.
Funding was made available through Indiana’s allocation of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) dollars and was announced by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. This funding was delegated via a competitive grant and was scored by representatives across a variety of both external organizations and state agencies.
The funding was provided to address impacts and cover expenses incurred due to the coronavirus pandemic. The awardees can use the funding in a variety of ways so long as it aims to improve food supply resilience through promoting worker safety, expanding meat processing capacity and/or increasing slaughter. Many businesses are using the grants to purchase equipment or modify their facilities for increased efficiency. Some are using the funding to train additional staff and purchase personal protective equipment. The 41 awarded meat processors are Hoosier businesses with less than 500 employees.
The application process showed the industry had a significant need with 60 applicants and a total of $6.8 million in funding requests. Click "read more" to find a list of the 41 selected awardees. ISDA encourages Hoosier consumers to find a processor nearest them to shop local this holiday season.
The Indiana FFA Foundation received a $37,000 grant through the Youth Program Resilience Fund of the Lilly Endowment Inc.
The mission of the Indiana FFA Foundation is to support, fund and promote the programs and objectives of the Indiana FFA Association. The FFA Association has 12,500 members and supports 211 chapters.
The Indiana FFA Foundation will use the grant to fund COVID-19 related expenses including technology for virtual learning needs, cleaning supplies and equipment and funds for general operations impacted by the pandemic. The Indiana FFA Foundation will be able to continue its commitment to FFA members and youth across the state. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
Last week, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch honored Indiana’s vital poultry producers at the 73rd Indiana State Poultry Donation event for their generous assistance throughout the year to their communities. Hoosier producers donated 450 tons or 900,000 pounds of poultry products despite impacts from the pandemic.
The strength of Indiana’s poultry sector was also recognized during the ceremony for Indiana ranks as one of the top poultry producing states in the country. According to the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service, Indiana ranks No. 1 in duck production, No. 2 in egg production, No. 4 in turkey production and is home to high quality broiler chicken production as well.
The poultry industry is a substantial economic driver for the state, and it contributes more than $12 billion in total economic activity. Additionally, this sector employs more than 12,000 Hoosiers.
Aside from the donations made last week, Indiana State Poultry Association (ISPA) members continually give back to their local communities throughout the year. Becky Joniskan, ISPA president, expressed that over the last 12 months members have contributed over 7 million eggs and 200,000 pounds of meat and egg products to their local communities.
Looking to shop local and support small businesses this holiday season? When you support shopping small, you are supporting your community and neighbors! According to American Express, for every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S., approximately 67 cents stays in the local community. With over 1,600 Indiana Grown members, there is truly something for everyone!
Find Indiana Grown businesses in your area to shop this holiday season here.
While visiting small businesses across the state this season encourage them to make the Hoosier Hospitality Promise so that future customers can feel safe and welcome in their businesses.
Need help expanding your markets? ISDA is excited to welcome Zac Gredy on board under contract through the IEDC Indiana Small Business Development Center Program to help our Indiana agribusinesses recover from COVID-19 impacts through sales overseas.
Zac will be providing 1:1 no-cost export consulting to companies that meet the following guidelines:
That are designated as small businesses under the SBA size standards
That were in business on or before 2.15.20
That are or become Indiana SBDC ‘clients’
December 8: Indiana Dairy Meet the Scientist Click here to learn more and register
