Apr 8, 2026

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

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

Haga clic aquí para español.

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.

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.

“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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Photo 1: Raw Steak

Cutline: 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)

Photo 2: Cattle1