- USDA announced $57,424,130 in planned investments through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP).
- The funding includes 147 tentative awards across 40 states, pending congressional allotment.
- The program supports independent meat and poultry processors seeking to expand processing capacity.
- Eligible applicants include independent businesses, producer-owned cooperatives, nonprofit organizations, Tribes and Tribal entities, and state or local government entities.
- USDA has previously awarded more than $200 million through MPPEP, supporting projects that have created thousands of jobs nationwide.
- The program aims to increase competition, expand market opportunities for producers and strengthen the resilience of U.S. meat processing supply chains.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to invest more than $57 million in meat and poultry processing projects across 40 states through its Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP).
The announcement, made October 26, 2026, by Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, outlines $57,424,130 in anticipated funding for 147 tentative awards, subject to congressional allotment.
The investments are intended to help small and medium-sized independent processors expand operations while creating additional market opportunities for American ranchers and livestock producers.
Supporting Independent Meat and Poultry Processors
The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program is administered by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Services.
The program provides grants to eligible independent processors to support increased processing capacity.
According to USDA, MPPEP was designed to encourage competition and sustainable growth within the domestic meat processing industry while improving supply chain resilience.
Expanding the availability of independent processing facilities is intended to provide livestock producers with additional processing options and access to markets.
Funding Supports USDA Livestock Market Priorities
The newly announced investments build on the administration’s Executive Order, Promoting Fair Competition in Livestock Markets and Expanding Market Access for American Meat Producers.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said the investments in small and medium-sized meat processors are part of USDA’s efforts to support American ranchers and expand domestic processing opportunities.
Rollins also connected the initiative to the administration’s stated goal of rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd.
The department identified expanded local processing capacity as a component of its efforts to strengthen producer confidence and support the livestock industry.
Eligibility Includes Cooperatives, Independent Businesses and Tribal Entities
USDA’s MPPEP program is available to several types of organizations seeking to expand meat and poultry processing operations.
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
- Other eligible business structures
Private entities must be independently owned and operated, and all applicants must be domestically owned.
The program’s eligibility requirements are intended to direct investments toward independent domestic processing operations.
More Than $200 Million Previously Awarded
USDA reported that it has awarded more than $200 million to independent businesses through MPPEP.
According to the department, projects supported by the program have created thousands of jobs across the United States.
The additional $57.4 million in anticipated funding would extend the program’s investments in domestic meat and poultry processing infrastructure, subject to congressional allotment.
Additional Program Information
Information about the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program, including program details and eligibility, is available through USDA Rural Development.
USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program
Additional information about USDA investments in the meat and poultry supply chain is available at:
USDA Meat and Poultry Supply Chain Initiatives
USDA Rural Development also provides updates through its subscriber service:
Subscribe to USDA Rural Development Updates
Information sourced from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s October 26, 2026, press release.
