Minnesota State Wire

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced the distribution of more than $560,000 in grants aimed at supporting workforce development and education in the state's meat processing sector. The funding is part of two programs: the Meat Processing Train and Retain Grant program and the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant program.

Through the Train and Retain Grant program, a total of $341,690 was allocated to three organizations focused on strengthening the workforce for small- to medium-sized meat and poultry processors. This funding supports initiatives such as tuition reimbursement, sign-on and retention bonuses, and childcare stipends. These measures are intended to address ongoing workforce shortages within the industry.

Grant recipients under this program include:

- Latino Economic Development Center: The grant will help support a new meat processor in Lismore as well as up to five additional facilities by assisting with hiring and employee training.

- Region Five Development Commission: Funds will be used for meat processing course tuition and sign-on bonuses for processors within a 60-mile radius.

- Mapleton Economic Development Authority: Funding will assist in hiring and training two full-time employees at a new processing facility.

In addition to these efforts, the MDA awarded $222,360 through its AGRI MEAT Grant program for fiscal year 2025. This program assists schools across Minnesota in establishing or expanding meat cutting and butchery training programs. Funding may be used for equipment purchases, facility renovations, curriculum development, or faculty training for both new and existing programs. Six schools received awards under this initiative.

“These grant programs are part of our ongoing efforts to support workforce development and ensure a thriving meat processing sector,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “By investing in both industry training and education, we’re helping to meet growing demand while creating meaningful career opportunities for the next generation.”

The AGRI Program provides grants not only to educational institutions but also supports farmers, agribusinesses, schools, among others throughout Minnesota with an aim to advance agriculture as well as renewable energy sectors within the state.

Details on school recipients of the 2025 AGRI Meat Education and Training Awards are as follows:

- Battle Lake High School received $66,069.96 to develop a hands-on meat science curriculum preparing students for careers in meat processing.

- Dover-Eyota Schools were awarded $11,716.12 to add wild game processing skills into natural resource courses.

- Holdingford Schools secured $28,010.00 for developing coursework that partners with local lockers while converting an ag classroom into a dedicated meat processing area.

- Little Falls Community Schools received $37,911.84 to expand their ag science program with instruction on food safety and industry career paths.

- Staples-Motley High School obtained $53,416.67 to establish a butchery curriculum providing practical experience along with business development skills.

- Wabasso School District was awarded $25,235.66 for introducing a biannual meat science course designed to train over 30 students each year through partnerships with local lockers.

According to MDA officials, these investments are designed not only to fill current employment gaps but also to create future opportunities by integrating industry-specific skills into school curricula statewide.