FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Jenny Green
Public Affairs Specialist
jgreen@nmda.nmsu.edu, 575-202-4249

April 8, 2026

Starting April 13: Up to $3M available for NM meat processors

Grants will support facility modernization, environmental compliance

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – New Mexico meat processing businesses can apply for a share of approximately $3 million in state grant funding beginning April 13, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) announced today.

Two raw ribeye steaks on a black plate, with chopped herbs, tomatoes, peppers, salt, and pepper in the background on a prep station. — New Mexico meat processing businesses can apply for a share of approximately $3 million in state grant funding beginning April 13 through May 15, 2026. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

The New Mexico Local Meat Processing Grant – funded by a one-time appropriation from the 2026 legislative session – is open to New Mexico-based slaughter, processing and value-added production facilities, including federally inspected, state-inspected and custom-exempt operations. Applications will be accepted April 13 through May 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time, through NMDA’s Submittable platform.

Eligible projects must focus on one of two categories: waste material equipment, such as wastewater systems, composting equipment, or byproduct processing tools; or technology investments that improve efficiency, safety and regulatory compliance.

Cattle feeding at a trough, with one calf looking toward the camera and others eating grain. — New Mexico meat processing businesses can apply for a share of approximately $3 million in state grant funding beginning April 13 through May 15, 2026. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

“This investment strengthens New Mexico’s meat processing capacity from the ground up,” said Jeff Witte, New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture. “By helping processors modernize equipment and improve waste management, we’re supporting a more efficient, sustainable and resilient industry that benefits producers, businesses and communities across the state.”

Grant funds are non-recurring and must be fully expended by June 30, 2027. For questions, contact NMDA Marketing Specialist Nick Frazzini at nfrazzini@nmda.nmsu.edu.

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Starting April 13: Up to $3M available for NM meat processors