Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4
About
The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development (RD) Rural Business‐Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency), requests applications for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4 (the Program or MPPEP-4) - Fortifying the American Beef Industry. MPPEP-4 is authorized under Section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), which provides funding to make “loans and grants and provide other assistance to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.” Pursuant to this authority, USDA is making competitive grant funding available to Very Small Processors and Small Processors, and to Intermediate Processors to maximize the value and utilization of their existing capacity, with a focus on promoting local supply chains. Grant funding in the amount of $60 million is available under this Program. Funding will be divided equally into two separate competitions: one for Very Small Processors and Small Processors, and one for Intermediate Processors. Each competition will have its own ranking and award process. Cost share is required. Applicants will be required to identify sources and amounts that will make up the required cost share in the application and will need to verify cost share funding prior to final award approval. Two types of applications for each of the funding competitions will be accepted: 1. Processing Expansion Projects. Awards will range from $50,000 to $2 million to support a range of activities to increase.
The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4 (MPPEP-4) is a federal grant initiative administered by the USDA Rural Development Rural Business-Cooperative Service, designed to strengthen America's meat and poultry processing infrastructure. With $60 million in total funding authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, this program supports two distinct processor categories: Very Small and Small Processors, and Intermediate Processors, each competing in separate funding tracks. The program awards grants ranging from $10,000 to $2 million to help eligible applicants expand their processing capacity, increase operational efficiency, and maximize the value of existing facilities. A primary focus is promoting local and regional supply chains to enhance food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. Producer-owned cooperatives, Tribes, and Tribal Entities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must provide matching cost share funding as part of their application. This is an excellent opportunity for meat and poultry processors seeking capital to modernize operations, increase production capability, or develop value-added processing without taking on traditional debt financing.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
August 7, 2026
Award Amount
$10K - $2M
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
$10K - $2M
Deadline
2026-08-07
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Competitive, with deadline August 7, 2026
Best For
Meat and poultry processors, producer-owned cooperatives, Tribes, and Tribal Entities seeking to expand processing capacity and strengthen local supply chains
Eligibility
Producer-owned cooperatives Tribes Tribal Entities
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4?
Eligible applicants include Very Small Processors, Small Processors, Intermediate Processors, producer-owned cooperatives, Tribes, and Tribal Entities involved in meat and poultry processing. Applicants must be able to provide required matching cost share funding. For specific eligibility criteria and processor size definitions, visit the official USDA Rural Development website.
How much funding does Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4 provide?
Individual grants range from $10,000 to $2 million. The program has $60 million in total funding divided equally between two competitions: one for Very Small and Small Processors ($30 million) and one for Intermediate Processors ($30 million). Award amounts vary based on project scope and applicant category.
How do I apply for Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4?
Applications are submitted through a competitive process managed by USDA Rural Development. Applicants must identify and verify matching cost share funding sources before final award approval. Detailed application instructions, forms, and submission procedures are available on the official USDA Rural Development website. Contact your local USDA Rural Development office for guidance on the application process.
What can Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4 funding be used for?
Funding supports Processing Expansion Projects designed to increase processing capacity and maximize utilization of existing facilities. Eligible uses include activities that strengthen local supply chains and enhance food processing infrastructure. For a comprehensive list of allowable project activities and restrictions, consult the official program guidelines on the USDA Rural Development website.
Last updated: July 5, 2026