Case Farms and Gerber’s Poultry both received $500,000 grants through the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program, while Cooper Farms received just shy of that amount.
In total, 51 Ohio companies in 33 counties received funding through the program, which awarded a total of $14 million to improve and expand meat harvesting and processing facilities across the state.
"Meat harvesters and processors help keep our supply chain strong and our grocery stores and restaurants stocked," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a press release. "These grants will enable them to build better facilities and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends."
The grant program was created in 2022, and this is the fourth round of grants through the program.
Case Farms, the nation’s 13th largest broiler producer, was selected for a $500,000 grant for its operation in Holmes County.
Gerber’s Poultry, the 27th largest broiler producer in the United States, also was chosen for a $500,000 grant, for its operation in Wayne County.
Cooper Farms, the United States’ seventh largest turkey producer and 18th largest egg producer, was selected for a $490,321 grant for its Cooper Hatchery Inc. operation in Mercer County.
The press release states that the grants can be used for new an upgraded machinery, other equipment and technology products, and plant construction or expansion for confinement, processing and refrigeration. WATT Global Media reached out to the Ohio Department of Development for more specific details as to how the grant money will be utilized, but the agency has not yet responded.
Other poultry-specific grant recipients include:
- Bowman & Landes Turkeys, Miami County, $463,353.
- King & Sons Poultry Services, Darke County, $322,208.
