By Jacqui Fatka
Farm Progress
The pandemic revealed an increased interest in smaller and local meat processing facilities as a way to add resiliency to the current meat processing sector, as well as consumers’ desire to connect directly with local producers. USDA announced an investment of $32 million in grants awarded to 167 meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to support expanded capacity and efficiency through the Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant program.