Secretary Naig Launches the Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant Program

 

DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 3, 2025) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the launch of the Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant program. Small-scale meat processors and custom lockers are encouraged to submit proposals to expand meat processing capacity within Iowa. This grant is part of Choose Iowa, the state’s branding and marketing program designed to identify and promote Iowa grown, raised and made ag products. The grant is administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

“Iowa’s small-scale meat processors and custom lockers are important to our livestock industry and the vitality of our rural communities,” said Secretary Naig. “Through our new Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant Program, we are helping these small businesses upgrade and expand their processing capacity to better serve our farmers and ensure consumers have more fresh and local options.” 

The Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant replaces a previous program, created in 2021, that was administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The Legislature authorized this new Choose Iowa grant program during the 2024 legislative session and allocated nearly $250,000 for the first year.  

Read More

Originally published by Choose Iowa in February 2025.