As Wisconsin continues to invest in meat talent development, Minnesota also makes strides. A new grant opportunity from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture helps schools looking to establish or enhance meat cutting and butchery training for secondary students.
The Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant Program will award about $350,000 in one time funding from the Minnesota Legislature to secondary career and technical education programs (public or private) to fund equipment, facility renovation, curriculum development, faculty training and more.
“The past few years have clearly shown that expanded meat processing capacity is important for the health of Minnesota’s livestock industry and to give consumers more choices,” says Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “To get there, we need more butchers and meat cutters. This investment will expose students to these in-demand positions.”
Applicants may request a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $70,000 per project. Up to 10 percent of each grant may be used for faculty training; there is no matching funds requirement.
MEAT grants will be awarded through a competitive review process. Priority will be given to applicants that collaborate with meat cutting and butchery programs at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and/or local industry partners. MDA expects five to 10 grants to be awarded, depending on award size.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. on March 9. Applications must be submitted through the MDA’s online application system.
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