March 28, 2024

Kelley appointed to third term on Innovative Swine Industry Enhancement Grant Board

DES MOINES — Rep. Dan Kelley (D-Newton) was appointed to serve his third term on the Innovation Swine Industry Enhancement Grant Board to help spur and grow Iowa’s swine industry.

“Over the last decade, Smithfield grants have kept Iowa a world leader in agriculture,” Kelley said. “I look forward to the work on this committee for the final year of grants. We must do all we can to help those who want to further their operations in Iowa agriculture, while protecting the environment and improving Iowa’s water quality.”

The Innovative Swine Industry Enhancement Grant Program is a collaboration of the Office of the Iowa Attorney General and Smithfield Foods, Inc. Four members of the Iowa Legislature evaluate proposals from applicants who want to sustain the environment and enhance Iowa’s hog industry. This is the final year of the 10-year $1 million program. Awards may be granted up to $250,000 for projects that demonstrate financial need and will promote innovative hog production in Iowa.

The grant program is part of a landmark settlement in which Smithfield Foods Inc, Murphy Farms, LLC and Prestage-Stoecker Farms, Inc, and have now made substantial financial commitments to Iowa’s pork industry.