This EDA investment supports the farmers union foundation with purchasing state-of-the-art mobile meat slaughtering and processing equipment that will be used for direct instruction at two colleges…

This $3.673 million Project Grant from the Department of Commerce's Economic Adjustment Assistance program will support the Farmers Union Foundation's purchase of mobile meat slaughtering and processing equipment. The Foundation will partner with Central Lakes College and Ridgewater College to launch two meat processing certificate programs using the new equipment for hands-on instruction. The programs aim to train adults and non-traditional students for in-demand jobs in Minnesota's high-need meat processing industry. Through on-site instruction, apprenticeships, and peer education across Minnesota, the Foundation expects to address regional workforce shortages exacerbated by pandemic-related impacts. Upon completion, the Foundation's mobile equipment and training programs will serve as a catalyst for private investment and job creation in the meat processing sector.

This EDA investment supports the farmers union foundation with purchasing state-of-the-art mobile meat slaughtering and processing equipment that will be used for direct instruction at two colleges and other sites, for hosting apprenticeships, and offering informal peer-to-peer education opportunities in staples, minnesota. The project will help the region recover from coronavirus pandemic-related job losses and supply chain issues severely impacted by the lack of economic activity in the meat processing industry and exposed vulnerabilities in the U.S. Meat processing system. Among those vulnerabilities is a lack of skilled workers where meat processing jobs are located. Through a partnership with central lakes college and ridgewater college, the foundation will train adults and non-traditional students for in-demand meat processing jobs in minnesota. Two meat processing certificate programs will be launched to provide a pathway for students to quickly gain good-paying jobs in the high-demand meat processing industry. Once completed, the project will address the workforce needs in the region by serving as a catalyst for private investment and job creation.