South Carolina – The Biden-Harris Administration announced an investment in meat and poultry processing in rural South Carolina exceeding $2.3 million in a major step towards enhancing food security and affordability. Part of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), this money aims to improve American food supply chains, boost competitiveness, and lower consumer food costs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed that this strategic investment will help Tomahawk Processing, LLC, a newly established company concentrated on beef slaughter, processing, and cold storage. Established in 2023 to provide the vital demand for regular processing choices for local producers—especially those who are underprivileged—Tomahawk Processing is situated in a rural area of South Carolina. With this award of $2,369,586 the company will be able to provide USDA-inspected services and provide value-added capabilities, therefore enabling producers to market their own beef. Nine full-time employment and twelve new producers should benefit from this project.
George W. Hicks, Jr., the Acting State Director for USDA Rural Development in South Carolina, expressed enthusiasm about the funding. This award will help Tomahawk Processing LLC offset their operating costs and will create more food supply chain options for South Carolinians,” Hicks said.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the broader vision of the initiative.
“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are advancing a sustainable vision of agriculture that prioritizes the needs of hardworking producers and small businesses and keeps rural communities strong,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Thanks to historic resources from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, USDA is working to give farmers and ranchers a fairer chance to compete in the marketplace, which will increase local food options and lower costs for American families.”
USDA’s continuing efforts to establish a more competitive agricultural sector include investments in South Carolina. It supports the Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain and fits President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. This strategy allocates resources to increase independent processing capacity, hence encouraging competition and reinforcing supply chains.
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Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a focus towards more resilient local and regional food production, so promoting competition and fair markets, guaranteeing access to safe, nutritious food, creating new income sources for farmers using climate-wise practices, and making historic investments in rural infrastructure and clean energy. With emphasis on removing structural obstacles and building a workforce more reflective of America itself, this program also highlights the Administration’s dedication to equity.
