Butcher Block Act of 2023

The Butcher Block Act of 2023 establishes two financial assistance programs to support small meat processors and renderers. It provides loans and loan guarantees (up to $50 million per facility, $100 million for cooperatives) and grants (up to $25 million annually) to eligible entities - such as small processors (under 500 employees), rural operations, or cooperatives - to build, expand, or upgrade facilities. The programs prioritize increasing regional processing capacity, improving compliance with federal meat inspection laws, and reducing barriers for new entrants, while requiring recipients to accept all legally allowed carcasses without restricting producer size or type. Funding of $100 million annually for loans and $25 million for grants is authorized through 2029.