MT Premium Processing receives $50k GTA award

Montana Premium Processing Cooperative in Havre has received $50,000 from the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Growth Through Agriculture program.

MDA Director Jillien Streit and the Agriculture Development Council announced recipients of the state’s $915,360 investment in innovative, value-added agriculture projects Monday.

MPPC, a member-owned, USDA inspected meat processing facility, is one of 25 agricultural businesses throughout the state awarded GTA funds, according to MDA.

“This Growth Through Ag grant was vital to helping us leap forward with our construction plans for a new smokehouse that is commercially equipped and USDA certified and get it built in 2025,” said Matt Rains, chief of staff for Montana Farmers Union. “The smokehouse will bring a lot more value to our producers, bring in multiple new jobs, and allow MPPC to expand its capacity. This is a huge boost for the co-op and Havre.”

“MDA’s Growth Through Agriculture program has gained serious momentum because it focuses solely on giving our agricultural businesses an opportunity to grow and expand. These awards are often that extra boost that takes a business or operation to the next level,” Streit said in a release. “The Department of Agriculture is proud to invest in these innovative projects that will add value to Montana agriculture as well as contribute to economic development and local communities.”