Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4
USDA is offering $60M in grants to small and intermediate beef processors for facility upgrades or equipment to boost processing capacity and strengthen local supply chains, with cost-sharing required and specific eligibility criteria.
Funder: Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Due Dates: August 7, 2026: Full application submission deadline (MPPEP-4)
Funding Amounts: $10,000–$2,000,000 per award; up to $60 million total; project duration up to 24–36 months depending on project type.
Summary: Supports expansion and diversification of meat and poultry processing capacity in the U.S., with a focus on the beef sector and local supply chains.
Key Information: Significant match required (25–50% of project cost); only processors of cattle for commercial markets eligible.
Description
This program provides competitive grants to help eligible meat and poultry processors—specifically those engaged in the primary processing of cattle—expand and diversify their processing capacity. Administered by the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, the program aims to strengthen the resiliency of the U.S. food and agricultural supply chain, support local supply chains, and promote competition in the American beef industry. Funding is split between two competitions: one for very small and small processors, and one for intermediate processors. Two project types are supported: Processing Expansion Projects (including facility upgrades and major equipment) and Simplified Equipment-Only Projects.
