The US Department of Agriculture is making a major investment to expand meat processing in 16 states including Illinois.
The USDA’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program is investing $73 million dollars to 21 projects throughout the country.
Expanding this industry will increase competition, increase economic opportunities, strengthen the supply chain, and help lower cost for consumers.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says these expansions will restore and create hundreds of jobs.
“We anticipate and expect over 1100 jobs to be created on an ongoing operational basis and that doesn't include the construction jobs that will go as a result of the expansion and construction of new facilities.”
The USDA will soon start taking applications for the second round of grants totaling $225 million dollars.
