USDA Rural Development Awards Grants to Arizona Meat Processors to Boost Local Food Supply Chain

(Phoenix, November 3, 2026) - Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Arizona State Director Lori Urban announced new funding awarded to two Arizona meat processors under the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) to strengthen local supply chains and expand market opportunities for local ranchers.

"USDA's MPPEP supports the goals outlines in President Trump's Executive Order 'Promoting Fair Competition in Livestock Markets and Expanding Market Access for American Meat Producers,'" said State Director Urban. "The program is part of USDA's effort to expand markets for ranchers by supporting independently owned processors to increase capacity and improve resiliency across the nation's meat and poultry supply chain."

Canaan Mountain Meats, LLC in Colorado City has been awarded $99,529 to upgrade processing equipment to improve efficiency and food safety, and add product lines such as smoked meats, sausage, and edible tallow. These improvements will also help reduce waste disposal costs.

The Foundation for Little Colorado Revitalization in Springerville has been awarded $114,206 to expand meat processing capacity at its facility, which serves beef and pork producers across Arizona and western New Mexico. The grant will fund equipment installation to improve humane livestock handling, increase slaughter capacity, enhance waste-management efficiency, and support production of smoked, ready-to-eat meat products.

These investments are part of a national package totaling $57.4 million awarded to 147 entities in 40 states and Puerto Rico.

USDA has awarded more than $200 million to independent domestically owned businesses under this program, creating thousands of jobs nationwide.

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