USDA awards grant to establish halal meat cooperative in Maine

In a move to meet the growing demand for halal meat in Maine, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the allocation of a $65,000 Rural Business Development Grant to the Cooperative Development Institute (CDI). The nonprofit organization will utilize the funds to establish a halal meat cooperative in Maine, catering to both residents and the broader region.

The newly formed cooperative will consist of livestock growers and Five Pillars Butchery, an immigrant-owned business to create a halal meat brand and establish a halal-certified, USDA-regulated slaughter and processing facility. CDI will play a crucial role in advising and training cooperative members during the initial stages of development.

Kathryn Piper, owner of Five Pillars Butchery, expressed gratitude for the USDA Rural Business Development Grant, stating, "We are motivated not only to supply the Muslim and immigrant communities of Maine and Northern New England with quality local products but also to support regional farmers in gaining access to the rapidly growing halal food market."