USDA reports having issued $260 million to approximately 300 processors since initiation of a program “to strengthen the nation’s food supply chain”. A second round of funding amounting to $5.6 million was completed with 14 of the original recipients obtaining additional support.
Grants allowed processors in numerous states to upgrade facilities to qualify for federal inspection, expansion in production capacity, installation of processing equipment and implementation of HACCP systems.
At some time in the future USDA will have to account for use of public funds by documenting the financial success of recipients, job creation and other quantifiable benefits.