Minnesota Meat Co-op to Double Processing Capacity with $530K Grant
Lakes Community Cooperative, a meat processing plant in Perham, Minnesota, is set to double its processing capacity thanks to a $530,000 grant.
The co-op, which offers multi-species processing services to its member owners, received the funding with support from Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, who announced the grant on September 23.
“A strong meat processing industry is critical to maintaining a stable economy in Minnesota, especially for Minnesota’s farmers,” said Senator Smith.
She emphasized that expanding facilities like Lakes Community Cooperative will provide farmers with more processing options, ensuring fairer prices for their animals while helping to keep grocery store prices in check.
Klobuchar and Smith highlighted that raising competition by supporting smaller, locally owned processing plants could help reduce consumer costs, as the market is currently dominated by a few large processors.
Currently, four companies control 85% of the beef market, 70% of the pork market, and 54% of the poultry market.
Learn more about the importance of local meat processing plants. Visit our homepage for updates on how this expansion could benefit both farmers and consumers.