PIERRE, S.D. (KJJQ) – The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee gave its approval to a bill that would provide $5 million for a small meat processors grant program.

Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden testified in favor of the bill, brought by the Department of Agriculture. He says they were working on this before the pandemic.

Rhoden says this is designed to grow small processors and meat lockers.

There are about 100 processors currently in the state that would be eligible for the grants. Could it be used for startups? Jason Simmons is with the Department of Agriculture.

No one testified against the bill.

The measure includes an emergency declaration, meaning it could be used immediately if approved by the legislature.

The committee voted unanimously to move the bill to the appropriations committee with a “do pass” recommendation.