USDA Plans $57 Million for Meat Processing Expansion
USDA plans $57.4 million in grants for 147 tentative awards to expand independent meat and poultry processing capacity across 40 states.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to provide $57.4 million to meat and poultry processors in 40 states through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), according to an announcement from Vice President J.D. Vance and Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins on October 26, 2026.
The funding is intended to help processors expand capacity and develop new markets. Pending congressional allotment, USDA Rural Development will invest a total of $57,424,130 through 147 tentative awards.
Grants Target Independent Meat Processors
USDA Rural Development's Rural Business-Cooperative Services manages MPPEP. The program provides grants to eligible independent processors to expand their processing capacity, encourage competition in the U.S. meat processing sector, support sustainable growth, and improve supply chain resilience.
The announcement follows an executive order titled Promoting Fair Competition in Livestock Markets and Expanding Market Access for American Meat Producers. USDA said the investments are part of its efforts to support ranchers and rebuild the U.S. cattle herd by expanding local meat processing opportunities.
“President Trump is focused on putting American ranchers first, and we are committed to achieving this vision at USDA. Today’s announcement to provide investments in small and medium-sized meat processors builds on President Trump’s Executive Order “Promoting Fair Competition in Livestock Markets and Expanding Market Access for American Meat Producers,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “We are focused on rebuilding the Great American Cattle Herd, and providing more local processing opportunities will continue to give confidence to our ranchers to help us fulfill this goal.”
Who Is Eligible for MPPEP Funding?
Eligible applicants include for-profit and nonprofit entities, producer-owned cooperatives and corporations, certified benefit corporations, Tribes and Tribal entities, state and local government entities, and other business types regardless of legal structure.
Private entities must be independently owned and operated, and all applicants must be domestically owned.
USDA has awarded more than $200 million to independent businesses through MPPEP. The department reports that projects supported by the program have created thousands of jobs across the country.
More information about the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program is available through USDA Rural Development.
