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BROOKVILLE -- Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding has announced nearly $600,000 in state funding for 10 small meat processors in eight Pennsylvania counties, helping businesses expand processing capacity, improve food and worker safety, and meet demand for local products. Redding also announced that applications are now open for the next round of the Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant program.
"Small processors are absolutely integral to Pennsylvania agriculture," Redding said. "They create markets and lower transportation costs for farmers, keep food dollars in our communities, and give consumers more choices for locally produced meat. This funding helps businesses invest in their operations, and opening the next round means more Pennsylvania processors can build for the future."
Pennsylvania supports a strong, competitive and resilient cattle industry, and strengthening domestic beef production is essential to the economic health of producers and rural communities and the long-term security of our food supply. These investments will strengthen Pennsylvania's beef supply chain and expand local processing capacity at a time when market disruptions, tight cattle supplies and other challenges are putting pressure on the nation's beef industry.
Since 2023, Pennsylvania has supported the expansion of 26 small businesses, investing more than $1.68 million through the program. The grants are just one of the $13.8 million in PA Farm Bill investments Governor Josh Shapiro has made each year since taking office, providing critical funds for rebuilding the workforce, and expanding processing infrastructure and marketing opportunities for Pennsylvania's agriculture industry.
Processors are encouraged to apply for the 2026-27 grants, funded at $500,000 in the 2026-27 state budget. The program is accepting applications now through Nov. 6, 2026. Grants are limited to no more than $100,000 per applicant.
The announcement was made in Jefferson County at Meatheads Market, also known as B & P Meats, which received a $93,769 grant in January 2025 to expand its meat-processing capabilities. The funding supported the purchase of equipment that has improved processing efficiency, worker safety and food safety. The business also received food safety consultation to support its expansion into USDA-inspected smoked and cooked products, helping Meatheads Market grow its business and expand its product offerings.
"This investment has made a real difference for our business," said Nate Barber of Meatheads Market. "The funding allowed us to invest in equipment that improves efficiency, strengthens food and worker safety, and helps us expand the products we can offer our customers. Support like this gives small processors the opportunity to grow, create new opportunities for local farmers, and continue serving our community."
The grant covers costs associated with opening a new processing operation or the expansion of a current operation. The grants can also be used to cover the costs of getting a USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection. Grants are limited to $100,000 per applicant.
Grant recipients announced today, business locations, and grant amounts are as follows:
Bradford County
Bryan's Meat Cutting - $71,673
Chester County
Clarkco Meats - $51,409
Lycoming County
Gary Gibson - $71,673
Monroe County
Stryker Farm - $28,239
Finest Kind Provisions - $15,181
Susquehanna County
Waldron Custom Meats - $71,673
Wayne County
Whitmore Quality Custom Cuts - $68,842
Westmoreland County
Weimer Meats - $67,239
York County
DeTraglia Farm - $61,277
Cabin Hollow Butcher Shop - $71,673
Interested applicants can find detailed guidelines and how to apply for the Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant at agriculture.pa.gov, or in the Sept. 19, 2026 edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin.