USDA extends application deadline for Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion program

By Paul Vold kkin@rjbroadcasting.com (4/6/22)

(Minnesota) — The USDA recently announced the extension of the application deadline for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program to May 11th in order to provide funding to expand meat and poultry processing capacity.

The decision came after Rural Development heard directly from applicants about the challenges with System for Award Management (SAM) registration, which must be completed prior to filling an application.

The USDA is making $150 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding available through the MPPEP and offering up to $25 million each to expand processing capacity through a variety of activities, including but not limited to construction, expansion of existing facilities, and acquisition of equipment.

USDA encourages applications that benefit smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, Tribes and tribal producers, socially disadvantaged producers, military veteran producers and underserved communities.

For additional information, applicants are encouraged to visit the MPPEP website: www.rd.usda.gov/mppep. Questions may be submitted through the website or sent to MPPEP@usda.gov. All application materials can be found at www.rd.usda.gov/mppep or at www.Grants.gov.  Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 11, 2022, through www.Grants.gov.