Small meat processing plants are necessary for the vitality of Iowa’s agriculture and rural lifestyle. In 1965, Iowa had more than 550 small meat plants; less than 200 remain today. The Small Meat Processors Working Group formed in 2006 to help address this decline by investigating, mapping, and coordinating resources at the local, state, and national levels. The group joined Value Chain Partnerships in 2007.

The goal of the Small Meat Processors Working Group is to help small, Iowa meat processors expand, upgrade or build new facilities in order to promote rural development—directly via the processors, and indirectly by helping offer greater market access for livestock producers and greater purchasing options for local and regional household and industrial buyers.

The Small Meat Processors Working Group is also part of the Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network, Cooperative Extension's national network supporting small meat processors.