New Mexico launches $3 million grant program for meat processors

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) confirmed it would allow meat processing businesses to apply for around $3 million in state grant funding starting on April 13.

The New Mexico Local Meat Processing Grant was funded using a one-time appropriation from the 2026 legislative session. Businesses open to the funding include New Mexico-based slaughter, processing and value-added production facilities. This includes federally inspected, state-inspected and custom-exempt operations.

Eligible projects fit into two categories. The first is waste-material equipment for wastewater systems, composting equipment or by-product processing tools. The other one would be technology investments to 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.”