Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network

Last Updated:

5/14/25

The Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network is a nationwide community of practice dedicated to helping small and mid-sized meat processors thrive by growing a shared wealth of information and innovation. NMPAN develops, coordinates, and distributes resources to improve access to processing infrastructure and the long-term stability of the niche meat processing sector. They offer tools and technical assistance for small processors and the farmers, marketers, and meat buyer who depend on them.

This organization provides support in the following topic areas:

comprehensive guidesfood safetylivestockscaling

This organization provides support to the following populations:

small farmers

Their resources

Planning a New Facility or Expansion Toolkit	This toolkit from the Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (NMPAN) walks processors through the steps and topics they should consider when scaling up their business. The toolkit has sections for plant design, business planning, workforce management, financing options, and tribal resoures.
Meat Processor Academy	Meat Processor Academy is a self-paced online course for meat processors who are ready to take their business to the next level. The course is designed for processors with 25-150 employees or processors that intend to grow to that scale in the near future. Participants should have at least 2 years of operating experience and be an owner, operator, or manager of the business. Course content includes business planning, operations, facilities, financial management, human resources, marketing & distribution, and animal welfare.
Beginner's Guide to Local Meat Processing	This brief primer walks aspiring and beginning meat processors through the basic information needed to start a processing plant, including information about the meat processing regulatory landscape, processing plant economics, and a new plant checklist.

Contact them

https://www.nichemeatprocessing.org/

N/A

thistler@oreonstate.edu