BERKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL ADVENTURES - GREAT BARRINGTON, MA

IDENTIFYING MEAT SUPPLY CHAIN BOTTLENECKS AND DESIGNING A WHOLE-ANIMAL PROCESSING FACILITY IN THE BERKSHIRE REGION

FEASIBILITY AND VIABILITY, INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING | 2023 - PRESENT

Berkshire Agricultural Ventures has engaged Food Works Group (FWG) to address existing meat supply chain bottlenecks in the greater Berkshire region (Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, and Connecticut). FWG is assessing the demand for and design of a meat processing facility dedicated to cut and wrap and/or value-added processing utilizing byproducts of the animal for meat products like sausages, lard, and bone broth. This research process involves a landscape analysis and extensive stakeholder engagement on both the producer and buyer sides to determine what services the facility should offer and where in the region the facility should be located to best meet the needs of the local agricultural community. The work will culminate in the modeling of a financially viable facility that includes building layout, equipment, labor and staffing plan, and required facility specifications as well as financial models to demonstrate target client utilization and market sales for financial success.