# Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 2

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rd-rbs-23-02-mppep-meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program-phase-2/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/349972

> Rural Business-Cooperative Service offered grants of up to $10.0 million (at least $250,000) to nonprofits, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. It expected to make $123 million in total. Applications closed on November 22, 2023.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | RD-RBS-23-02-MPPEP |
| Agency | Rural Business-Cooperative Service |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | November 22, 2023 |
| Award ceiling | $10.0 million |
| Award floor | $250,000 |
| Expected awards | not stated |
| Total funding | $123 million |
| Cost sharing | required |
| Assistance Listings | 10.381 |

## Who can apply

- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Producer-owned cooperatives and corporations, Certified benefit corporations, other business types

## What the grant funds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development (RD) Rural Business‐Cooperative Service (RBCS or Agency), requests applications for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program—Phase 2 (MPPEP). MPPEP is authorized under Section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provides funding to make “loans and grants and provide other assistance to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.” Pursuant to this authority, USDA is making grant funding available to meat and poultry processors for new facilities and for the renovation and expansion of existing facilities. This will promote competition and give more and better options to producers by increasing meat and poultry processing capacity. Grants to meat and poultry processors have been delivered in two phases. This RFA is for MPPEP Phase 2; a separate RFA was issued in 2022 for MPPEP Phase I. The Agency has entered into a cooperative agreement (the “Cooperative Agreement”) with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund (the “Cooperator”) to assist the Agency with the administration of the Program, including but not limited to: working with the Agency on the selection of program awards; the management and disbursement of grant funds; the servicing of grant awards; the monitoring and tracking of projects, including conducting site visits; and will perform other related matters in connection with the administration of the Program. The Agency will remain responsible for program outreach, applicant eligibility determinations, and the scoring of program applications. Pursuant to the Cooperative Agreement, the Agency has obligated funds in the amount of $123 million to the Cooperator to be made available for program applicants. The maximum award is $10 million or 30 percent of total project costs, whichever is less. The minimum award is $250,000. A cost share of 70 percent of the total project cost is required. Applicants will be required to identify sources and amounts to make up the 70 percent cost share in the application. RBCS will award competitive grants to eligible applicants that submit high quality proposals that meet the purpose and requirements of this program. This announcement provides eligibility criteria for applicants and projects, details on cost share requirements, and the forms and instructions required to apply for an award.

## Questions people ask

### Is RD-RBS-23-02-MPPEP still open?

No. It closed on November 22, 2023. A newer notice is open: RD-RBS-26-03-MPPEP, closes December 7, 2026 (30 days left).

### Who can apply for Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 2?

Rural Business-Cooperative Service accepted applications from nonprofits, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.

### What is the deadline for Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program - Phase 2?

Closed November 22, 2023. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $10.0 million each. About $123 million in total.

### Who has won Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were New Hampshire Community Loan Fund Inc, Wholestone Farms II LLC, Riverbend Meats, LLC. The program made 26 awards worth $234 million in that time.