COLUMBUS, Ohio — Governor Mike DeWine, along with Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, announced a substantial state investment of $14 million aimed at enhancing and expanding meat processing facilities across Ohio. This funding initiative is part of the fourth round of the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program.
“Meat harvesters and processors play a vital role in maintaining a strong supply chain and ensuring our grocery stores and restaurants remain stocked,” said Governor DeWine. “These grants will empower them to build better facilities and stay aligned with the latest industry trends.”
As part of this initiative, 51 companies involved in meat harvesting and processing from 33 counties will receive funding for constructing new facilities or upgrading existing ones. Notably, Pickaway County’s Train Station Meats and Market (Formally Fast Freeze) has been awarded a significant grant of $256,820.
“Much of our meat supply currently comes from large industrial farms and processors,” Lt. Governor Husted noted. “These grants will enable local farmers in Ohio to better serve their communities with high-quality, locally grown meats. They help small businesses enhance their efficiency and productivity, allowing them to provide affordable, locally sourced food.”
Eligible expenses for the grants include new and upgraded machinery, technology products, and construction or expansion of facilities for processing, refrigeration, and confinement.
The Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program, created in 2022 with support from the Ohio General Assembly, is administered by the Ohio Department of Development in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
“We are equipping local businesses in this essential industry with the necessary resources for growth and facility expansion,” said Mihalik. “For Ohio families, these investments ensure they continue to receive the high-quality products they expect and love.”
Ohio’s meat processing sector is crucial for bolstering the state’s primary industry—food and agriculture. “These processors not only provide top-quality options for consumers but also guarantee that the products are safe and healthy,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge.
Since the program’s inception, a total of 179 grants have been awarded across all four rounds, totaling nearly $42 million and benefiting processors in 62 of Ohio’s 88 counties.
