Senator Reverend Warnock joined the Georgia delegation in announcing CSRA Rural Lending Authority Inc. would receive $7.5 million in funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

New federal funding will expand domestic meat processing capacity, creating jobs in rural counties, increasing competition, lowering grocery costs and strengthening food supply chains

Senator Reverend Warnock led his colleagues in pressuring USDA to award this grant to Augusta-based CSRA

Additionally, USDA announced Georgia-based companies Yonah Valley Farms LLC and FPL Food LLC would be awarded nearly $34 million in federal loans through the Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan program to increase chicken production and extend meat freshness, respectively

Senator Reverend Warnock: “Strengthening our food supply chain is crucial to keeping grocery store shelves full and food prices low. That’s why I was proud to lead my colleagues in the Georgia delegation to push for this federal investment to support Georgia’s meat processing industry”

Washington D.C. — U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led the Georgia delegation in announcing $7.5 million in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) investments to Georgia’s meat-processing industry. The funding was awarded to CSRA Rural Lending Authority Inc. which will use the federal grant to expand Georgia’s meat-processing capacity by establishing the Georgia Meat and Poultry Revolving Loan Fund. This grant will create jobs, strengthen the food supply chain and lower grocery costs for Georgians through increased competition.

Senator Warnock led a Georgia delegation letter, signed by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-2), Rick Allen (R-GA-12), David Scott (D-GA-13), and Austin Scott (R-GA-12) to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting CSRA’s grant application, which USDA awarded in full. 

“This grant is about creating jobs in rural counties and lowering food costs for all Georgians,” said Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock. “Strengthening our food supply chain is crucial to keeping grocery store shelves full and food prices low. That’s why I was proud to lead my colleagues in the Georgia delegation to push for this federal investment to support Georgia’s meat processing industry. I look forward to continuing to work with partners on the ground to secure robust investments for our state’s industries.”

“We appreciate the confidence that USDA has in us to be able to manage this critically important program for Georgia,” said Randy Griffin, President of CSRA Business Lending. “The pandemic has taught all of us that we cannot rely on foreign entities, large global beef and pork providers, and imports for our food supply.  We must produce more of our food domestically and Georgia will be critical in solving the nation’s food production issues long term.”

“Georgia farmers have demanded access to more meat and poultry processing options,” said Senator Jon Ossoff.“We have succeeded in securing USDA funds to finance new processors that will serve Georgia farmers. I will continue working every day to support Georgia agriculture and I thank Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black for his help with this effort.”

“This is a great example of Democrats and Republicans coming together to help Georgia’s livestock producers,” said Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.“Today’s $7.5 million from USDA to establish the Georgia Meat and Poultry Revolving Loan Fund will increase access to capital for meat processors who want to start or expand processing capacity right here at home. More local processing options strengthen our supply chain and help create greater, free-market competition within the industry that can ultimately lower costs at the grocery store for Americans,”

Senator Reverend Warnock has been laser-focused on addressing supply chain issues and lowering grocery costs. Last year when as many as 30 vessels were backed up at the Port of Savannah, Senator pushed the Administration to release $8 million in federal funding for the Georgia Ports Authority to ease congestion across the state. Additionally, the Senator introduced the Relief for Families Act, which would save Georgians money on essential items like groceries by allowing states to use COVID relief dollars to fund a sales tax holiday.

Senator Reverend Warnock is a dedicated champion for bringing jobs to rural Georgia, and recently received the 2022 OCP Rural Champion Award in recognition of the Senator’s vital leadership and legislative efforts to improve rural life, support agriculture, and diversify the rural economy.

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