USDA approval moves Believer Meats’ Wilson facility closer to commercial production

Believer Meats has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its cultivated chicken label and large-scale production facility in Wilson, N.C. 

The greenlight from the USDA authorizes the company to begin commercial production and sales of cultivated chicken in the U.S. and to export products to international markets. 

The Wilson facility is slated to be operational by the end of the year and will initially produce around 21 million pounds of cultivated chicken annually.

“We are the first and only large-scale cultivated meat facility to have earned this approval from USDA,” said Gustavo Burger, CEO of the company.  “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, innovation and integrity of our entire team. We’re ready to bring our vision to life: To lead food innovations that care for the planet.”

Clearing regulatory milestones

Cultivated chicken is regulated by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the USDA. Earlier in 2025, Believer Meats received a No Questions Letter from the FDA confirming that its cultivation process, ingredients and final product raised no safety concerns. 

The Wilson facility was supported by key funding milestones, including a Series B round. Additional support included a $100,000 Partnership Development Grant from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to the community's work with Believer Meats and a $500,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund to help secure the project.

Read more about Believer Meats: 
Believer Meats completes Wilson manufacturing facility, receives FDA No Questions Letter