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Two Washington County meat processing businesses will be receiving grants from $400,000 to half a million dollars for growth.
Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development (ODD) Director Lydia Mihalik announced Oct. 2 the state will be awarding $14 million to 51 Ohio companies in 33 counties, including Washington County, to improve and expand meat harvesting and processing facilities in the state through the fourth round of the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program, according to a Governor's Office media release.
Farmer's Market Harvest & Processing LLC, located at 100 Groves Ave., Marietta, will receive $500,000, which is the maximum amount a business can receive through the program, according to the information included with the release.
Staley Countryside Meat Co., located at 39 Veto Road, Little Hocking, will receive $405,796.87.
"Meat harvesters and processors help keep our supply chain strong and our grocery stores and restaurants stocked," DeWine said in the release. "These grants will enable them to build better facilities and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends."
Businesses must own or operate a meat harvesting/processing facility in Ohio that was in operation as of July 1, 2023, and it must provide processing services for livestock and/or poultry producers to be eligible for the grant, according to the ODD website.
The grant is a reimbursement grant, according to the ODD website, and the funds for each project cannot exceed 65% of the total project cost and can be used to reimburse costs for new/upgraded equipment/machinery, new/upgraded technology products and plant construction/expansion for confinement, processing or refrigeration.
"We are providing local businesses in this essential industry with the resources they need to grow and expand their facilities," Mihalik said.
"For Ohio's families, these investments ensure that they will continue to receive the high-quality products they have come to expect and love."
No details about the projects were listed in the release.
Farmer's Harvest Market & Processing LLC started in May 2021 when it bought out a former processing business in Marietta, according to its website.
"We wanted this to be a place, a hub, where local farmers could bring their goods to sell on consignment all week long, all year long," the website said.
"We work with a handful of local farmers to provide quality meat, eggs, dairy and various market goods."
More information about the company and its services can be found at https://www.farmersharvestmarketandprocessing.com/.
Staley Countryside Meat Co. also opened in 2021, according to its website.
"We're an (Ohio Department of Agriculture) inspected and customer processor," the website said. "We take pride in being a locally owned and operated family business. We strive to produce quality services to our community."
More information about the company can be found at https://staleycountrysidemeat.com/.
A total of $42 million has been awarded to 179 projects in 62 counties through all four rounds of the Ohio Meat Processing Grant Program, according to the ODD website.
Requests for comment by Staley Countryside Meat Co. and Farmer's Harvest Market & Processing were not returned as of press time.