Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development (RD) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) is seeking applications for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4 (MPPEP-4). This program, authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, aims to enhance food and agricultural supply chain resiliency by providing competitive grant funding. A total of $60 million is available, divided equally between two competitions: one for Very Small and Small Processors, and another for Intermediate Processors. Two types of projects are eligible for funding: Processing Expansion Projects, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $2 million, and Simplified Equipment-Only Projects, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $250,000. Processing Expansion Projects require a 50% cost share, while Simplified Equipment-Only Projects require a 25% cost share. Eligible applicants must be currently engaged in the primary processing of cattle, have been in business for at least one year, and operate under a recognized inspection program. Ineligible applicants include those with active federal awards from similar programs or those deemed nationally dominant in their processing sector.