The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 4 (MPPEP-4) is a USDA initiative aimed at strengthening the American beef industry by providing grants to small and intermediate meat processors. The goal is to enhance local food supply chains by increasing processing capacity. A total of $60 million is available, divided equally between very small/small processors and intermediate processors. Grants range from $10,000 to $2 million, with cost-sharing requirements.
Who it's for: This grant is for small and intermediate meat processors in the U.S. that have been in business for at least one year and are engaged in primary processing of cattle. Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, producer-owned cooperatives, tribes, and tribal entities. Applicants must be independently and domestically owned, operate within a state, and have a current FSIS or equivalent state inspection.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Having an active award from MPPEP Phase 1, 2, or 3
- Having an active award from USDA AMS Local Meat Capacity Grants
- Having an active award from USDA AMS Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant
- Being nationally dominant in beef, pork, chicken, or turkey processing
- Not meeting the definition of a very small, small, or intermediate processor
What You May Need
- Proof of business operation for at least one year
- Verification of FSIS or equivalent inspection
- Documentation of cost share sources and amounts
- Proof of domestic ownership and independent operation
- Detailed project proposal
- Financial statements
- Market analysis or business plan
- Proof of facility location and operation within a state
Cautions
- Ensure cost share funding is secured and verifiable
- Projects must align with local supply chain enhancement goals
- Be aware of the specific definitions of processor sizes
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include entities engaged in primary processing of cattle for commercial markets or toll process, in business for at least one year. This includes for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, producer-owned cooperatives, tribes, and tribal entities. Applicants must be independently and domestically owned, with facilities located and operating in a state. They must have a current FSIS grant of inspection or equivalent state inspection. Applicants must meet the definitions of very small, small, or intermediate processors and cannot be nationally dominant in meat processing.
Overview
This grant is for small and intermediate meat processors in the U.S. that have been in business for at least one year and are engaged in primary processing of cattle. Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, producer-owned cooperatives, tribes, and tribal entities. Applicants must be independently and domestically owned, operate within a state, and have a current FSIS or equivalent state inspection.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Having an active award from MPPEP Phase 1, 2, or 3
- Having an active award from USDA AMS Local Meat Capacity Grants
- Having an active award from USDA AMS Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant
- Being nationally dominant in beef, pork, chicken, or turkey processing
- Not meeting the definition of a very small, small, or intermediate processor
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for expanding processing capacity, purchasing equipment, and making necessary improvements or upgrades to facilities. For Processing Expansion Projects, funds can cover equipment costs over $250,000 and facility renovations. For Simplified Equipment-Only Projects, funds can cover equipment costs up to $250,000.
Total Program Funding
$60,000,000
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- May 7, 2026
- Deadline
- Aug 7, 2026(41 days)
- Archive Date
- Sep 6, 2026
Application Checklist
- Confirm eligibility as a very small, small, or intermediate processor
- Gather proof of FSIS or equivalent inspection
- Prepare a detailed project proposal
- Secure and document cost share funding
- Compile financial statements and business plan
- Ensure facility is located and operating within a state
- Submit application by the deadline