USDA AMS Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant Now Accepting Applications

The Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program assists currently operational meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities in obtaining a Federal Grant of Inspection under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) or the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA); or to operate as a State-inspected facility that is compliant with FMIA or PPIA under a respective Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program.
Applications are due May 24, 2022.
The MPIRG focuses on:
- Improving meat and poultry slaughter and processing capacity and efficiency;
- Developing new and expanding existing markets;
- Increasing capacity and better meeting consumer and producer demand;
- Maintaining strong inspection and food safety standards;
- Obtaining a larger commercial presence; and
- Increasing access to slaughter/processing facilities for smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged producers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities.
More information on the program and how to apply can be found here: https://www.ams.usda.gov/servi...
The grant information booklet can be found here: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites...
Upcoming Events
Chainsaw Safety & Forestry BMP's
June 13, 2025
Belmont, NY
Perfect for beginners or experienced users needing a refresher. We'll cover safety features and basic maintenance of the modern saw and learn kickback prevention techniques. Participants will be able to try on various PPE and learn ergonomic practices. Interested participants will learn to safely start up, throttle up, and turn off a saw. You may bring our own saw if you choose, there will be no cutting in this class.
FAMACHA Workshop at Alfred State College
June 14, 2025 : FAMACHA Workshop at Alfred State College
Alfred, NY
Join Cornell Cooperative Extension for a morning of classroom learning, hands-on FAMACHA and 5 Point Check practice, and a pasture walk at Alfred State College's teaching farm to learn about putting IPM to work on pasture using evasive grazing techniques. An exam will be provided, and students passing the exam will receive program certification, including a FAMACHA Card.
Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop at Alfred State College
June 17, 2025 : Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop at Alfred State College
Alfred, NY
This mobile workshop will teach you what you need to know to perform fecal egg counts and understand the results of fecal egg count reduction tests at home. While focused on testing sheep and goats, this event is applicable to all ruminants and camelids.