MPPEP Phase 2 Comparison Chart
What does this program do?
The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) provides grants to help eligible processors expand their processing capacity, which create new, better and more processing options for meat and poultry producers. USDA Rural Development designed the MPPEP to encourage competition and sustainable growth in the U.S. meat processing sector, and to help improve supply chain resiliency.
Who can apply for this program?
Entities that engage or plan to engage in meat and poultry processing, including private, non-profit, tribal, cooperative, state or local government, among other entities. Private entities must be independently owned and operated. All entities must be domestically owned, and their meat and poultry processing facilities must be physically located and operated within the U.S. or its territories.
How can funds be used?
Grant funds can be used for expenses during the period of performance of the grant award to expand processing capacity by supporting activities such as:
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Building, modernizing, or expanding existing – processing facilities, including mobile slaughter units
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Developing, installing, or modernizing equipment and technology
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Ensuring compliance with packaging and labeling requirements
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Upholding occupational and other safety requirements
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Modifying facilities or equipment to protect food safety
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Offsetting cost associated with becoming an inspected facility
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Staffing or operational costs specifically tied to the proposed project
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Supporting workforce recruitment, training, and retention
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Posting USDA’s standard infrastructure investment signage during construction of the project
What is the maximum grant amount?
The maximum award amount is $10 million, or 30 percent of total project costs, whichever is less. The minimum award amount is $250,000. Projects including construction (and equipment associated with the project) are eligible for grants from $250,000 to $10 million. Projects that only require equipment purchases are eligible for grants from $5 million to $10 million.
What are some other requirements?
Eligible applicants must:
- Process – or plan to process – one or more species subject to the Federal Meat Inspection Act, or the Poultry Product Inspection Act. Additionally, if the applicant engages or proposes to engage in further processing they must include the products of slaughter from their own facility.
- Have – or plan to get – a Federal Grant of Inspection through USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, a Grant of Inspection under the Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program, or a federal or state-based meat and poultry inspection program equivalent.
- Comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and all other applicable state, local or Tribal laws.
How do I apply?
Please click on the To Apply tab above.
Additional Technical Assistance Resources
Learn more about Technical Assistance available to MPPEP grant applicants and grant-funded projects. Visit the Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance webpage to learn more.
Closely review the Request for Applications (RFA): MPPEP RFA
All applicant entities must have a current and active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to file an MPPEP application. Please reference Section 4.6 of the MPPEP RFA for registration instructions.
Additional resources to help you with completing an application include.
- Application Checklist
- Application Template
- Environmental Review Checklist
- Feasibility Study Guide
- MPPEP FAQs
- RBCS How - To Apply Video Series for Applicants
Visit the Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance webpage to learn more about Technical Assistance available to MPPEP grant applicants and grant-funded projects.
All applicant entities must have a current and active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to file an MPPEP application. Please reference Section 4.6 of the MPPEP RFA for registration instructions.
All MPPEP applications must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on November 22, 2023, through www.Grants.gov. Applications submitted after this deadline or filed in any other manner will not be considered for evaluation or funding.
There are no other additional requirements.
After closely reviewing the MPPPEP RFA in its entirety, applicants are encouraged to contact MPPEP staff at mppep@usda.gov.
All questions regarding Grants.gov technical assistance must be directed to the Grants.gov Applicant Support portal at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html.
USDA-Rural Development: Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) – Phase 2
Rural Business and Cooperative Service is pleased to provide office hours for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP 2). RBCS staff will be on hand to address questions that you have.
- September 28 | Closed
- October 12 | Office Hours Registration
- October 26 | Office Hours Registration
- November 9 | Office Hours Registration