USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program — Phase 4
USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service
$10K–$2,000,000
Researched for this program: 5 rejection traps · 10 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
Expand meat and poultry processing capacity
Competitive grants to help USDA/FSIS-inspected meat and poultry processors expand capacity, upgrade facilities, or improve food safety systems. Phase 4 has two tracks: Track A for larger projects ($50K–$2M, 50% match) and Track B for smaller projects ($10K–$250K, 25% match). Processors must be operating for at least one year under inspection.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Amount range
- $10,000 – $2,000,000
- Realistic amount
- Median Track B awards in Phases 1–3 were approximately $100K–$175K; median Track A awards approximately $500K–$900K.
- Deadline
- August 7, 2026
- Status
- closed
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Must be a for-profit meat or poultry slaughter/processing facility
- Must hold a current USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) grant of inspection
- Must have been in operation under FSIS inspection for at least 1 year prior to application
- Must be a small business under SBA size standards (NAICS 311611: 500 employees; 311612/311613/311615: 1,000 employees)
- Track A: award range $50,000–$2,000,000 with 50% cost-share match required
- Track B: award range $10,000–$250,000 with 25% cost-share match required
- Applicant cannot be debarred or suspended from federal programs
Hard requirements
- Must be incorporated
- Restricted to specific NAICS codes: 311611, 311612, 311613, 311615
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Construction, renovation, or expansion of processing facilities
- Purchase of processing, slaughter, or packaging equipment
- Food safety and sanitation systems (HACCP-related equipment, testing equipment)
- Refrigeration and cold-chain infrastructure
- Wastewater treatment systems required by the expansion
- Architectural and engineering fees directly tied to eligible construction
- Equipment installation costs
Ineligible expenses
- Operating expenses (labor, utilities, supplies)
- Land acquisition or building purchase
- Debt refinancing
- Projects that solely relocate existing capacity without net increase
- Equipment already purchased before grant award
- Costs associated with non-FSIS-inspected activities
How to apply
-
1
Confirm FSIS grant of inspection status
Verify your establishment holds an active USDA FSIS grant of inspection and has been under inspection for at least 1 full year. Obtain your establishment number — it is required in the application.
~1 hrs
-
2
Select Track A or Track B
Evaluate your project scope and matching capacity. Track A ($50K–$2M, 50% match) suits major facility expansions or equipment overhauls. Track B ($10K–$250K, 25% match) suits targeted upgrades like food safety equipment, refrigeration, or small-scale expansions.
~2 hrs
-
3
Develop project plan and cost estimates
Define the specific expansion or improvement project. Obtain contractor bids or equipment quotations. Ensure all costs are eligible (construction, equipment, food safety systems) and ineligible items are excluded (operating costs, land acquisition).
~12 hrs
-
4
Secure matching funds commitment
Identify matching funds equal to 50% (Track A) or 25% (Track B) of grant request. Match can be cash (bank commitment letter) or eligible in-kind contributions. Document in writing before submitting.
~4 hrs
-
5
Complete SF-424 forms and project narrative
Fill out SF-424, SF-424A (budget), and write the project narrative describing the expansion's purpose, expected capacity increase, food safety improvements, and economic impact (jobs created/retained, animals processed per year).
~16 hrs
-
6
Submit application on Grants.gov
Assemble all required attachments (establishment number, FSIS documentation, quotes/bids, match commitment letters, SF forms) and submit on Grants.gov by August 7, 2026. Submit at least 48 hours early to catch system errors.
~3 hrs
Industry & certifications
NAICS codes: 311611, 311612, 311613, 311615
FSIS establishment number is required — no workaround. Phase 4 continues a multi-year program; prior phase awardees can reapply but must show new distinct project scope, not continuation of previously funded work.
Deadline & timing
Phase 4 NOFO posted on grants.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by August 7, 2026. SAM.gov registration and Grants.gov account must be active before applying. USDA will not accept late applications. Technical questions to MPPEP@usda.gov.
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