A bipartisan group of lawmakers has sent a letter to the USDA outlining ways to better create access to newly announced meat processing grant program.

The representatives led by Reps. Angie Craig, D-Minn., Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, and Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb. are asking the USDA to ensure small and regional processors can access the $500 million grant program, while creating more financing options.

Earlier this month, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA would allocate $500 million into expanding the nation’s meat processing capacity.

…