Establishes a "Meat Production Justice Grant Program"

HB 2497 establishes Missouri's "Meat Production Justice Grant Program" administered by the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority. The program provides grants to certified beef and pork producers to fund facility improvements and operational changes needed to maintain Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) or Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) certifications. Eligible producers must commit to maintaining their certification for five years and comply with program requirements, including quarterly verification of certification status. Grants are funded through a dedicated state treasury account, with priority given to producers demonstrating the greatest need, and funds are contingent on annual appropriations. The program does not create new certification standards but provides financial support to help existing certified producers meet those standards.