The New Mexico Department of Agriculture announced on April 8 that meat processing businesses in the state can apply for a share of approximately $3 million in grant funding beginning April 13. Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time.
The funding is part of the New Mexico Local Meat Processing Grant, which comes from a one-time appropriation made during the state’s 2026 legislative session. The grant program is open to New Mexico-based slaughter, processing, and value-added production facilities. This includes operations that are federally inspected, state-inspected, or custom-exempt.
Eligible projects must focus on waste material equipment—such as wastewater systems, composting equipment or byproduct processing tools—or on technology investments aimed at improving efficiency, safety and regulatory compliance within these facilities.
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture contributes to public service by ensuring a vibrant economy and a successful future for agriculture while safeguarding the public, according to the official website. The agency functions as a constitutive agency of New Mexico State University under the oversight of the NMSU Board of Regents according to its official website.
The department supports more than 77,000 farms and over 129,000 agricultural producers across more than 34 million acres according to its official website. Its efforts focus on preserving and promoting agriculture in New Mexico while supporting fair marketplaces and natural resource conservation according to its official website.
Across all regions of New Mexico, the department provides regulatory services as well as natural resource conservation programs and both financial and technical assistance according to its official website. It works to safeguard agriculture and natural resources while fostering economic growth through programs that support farmers, promote conservation efforts and ensure food safety statewide. The agency aids a large network of agricultural producers contributing to a thriving economy according to its official website.
