The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is now accepting grant applications for up to $500,000 to be used to start a mobile meat slaughter unit program in collaboration with Minnesota’s two-year colleges.
The deadline to submit a proposal is 4:30 p.m. Oct. 22, 2021.
This grant opportunity comes at an important time for Minnesota’s livestock industry. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the important role small meat processors and slaughter operations play in bridging the gap between the local farmer and consumer. The grant aims to support industry needs that have emerged, including slaughter capacity and training.
The Minnesota legislature appropriated funds for this grant to create a program that will benefit Minnesota’s livestock industry through education, research, training and value-added product development. The funds are to be used to acquire, host and operate a mobile slaughter unit. The grant specifies that the program should be in collaboration with Minnesota state two-year college that offer meat cutting curriculum. Grant recipients can work with livestock producers as well to advance value-added meat products.
Eligible applicants for the grant include any Minnesota businesses demonstrating a willingness to benefit the state’s livestock industry and to collaborate with two-year colleges.
Applicants are required to provide a 1:1 cash match for every grant dollar requested. For more information on the grant program, visit AURI’s website, or contact Dan Skogen at dskogen@auri.org.
About AURI
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute’s mission is to foster long-term economic benefit through value-added agricultural products. It accomplishes this by using science and technology to help develop new uses for agricultural products. It partners with businesses and entrepreneurs to generate economic impact in Minnesota communities by helping businesses take advantage of innovative opportunities in four focus areas: biobased products, renewable energy, coproducts and food. AURI provides a broad range of services, including applied research and development, scientific assistance and a targeted network of resources to develop value-added uses for crops and coproducts.