The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to help eligible meat and poultry processors expand their operational capacity.

"The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) reflects Secretary Rollins’ efforts under the leadership of the Trump administration to fortify the American beef industry, strengthen competition, support sustainable growth in the U.S. meat processing sector, and improve overall supply chain resiliency," said a USDA news release.

USDA is making $60 million available through Phase 4 of MPPEP. This phase is designed to support the American beef industry by diversifying the meat and poultry supply chain and expanding access to local market opportunities.

“Expanding meat and poultry processing capacity is critical to supporting our rural communities and strengthening the resilience of our food supply chain,” said John Butera, USDA Rural Development State Director in Maine. “These investments will help processors grow, create new market opportunities for producers, and ensure that locally raised beef can reach more families and businesses across the region.”

Eligible applicants include for‑profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, producer-owned cooperatives, tribes, and tribal entities. All applicants must be domestically owned, independently operated (if privately owned), and have facilities physically located and operating within the United States or its territories. Facilities must primarily process cattle to qualify, though grant funds or equipment may be used for processing other meat and poultry products at the same location.

Funding for Phase 4 will be split into two competitions: Very Small Processors and Small Processors, and Intermediate Processors.

Two types of applications will be accepted for each competition:

1. Processing Expansion Projects

Awards ranging from $50,000 to $2 million will support activities that increase and diversify processing capacity, including equipment purchases over $250,000 and necessary facility improvements. A 50 percent match is required.

1. Simplified Equipment‑Only Projects

Awards ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available for equipment‑only proposals that exclude installation, labor, renovation, and certification costs. A 25 percent match is required.

Electronic applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. on August 7, 2026. Full eligibility details and requirements are available on Grants.gov and on the MPPEP website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program-phase-4.

USDA Rural Development is committed to improving the economy and quality of life in rural America. Through loan, grant and loan guarantee programs, USDA assists communities with infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.

Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov, subscribe to GovDelivery updates, and follow USDA on X at @USDARD_Maine.