USDA announces $123 million in grant funding to support resilient local food systems

Key Takeaways

On August 21, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) announced a new round of funding for meat and poultry producers through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). An additional $123 million in grants have been made available through the program, building upon $200 million that was distributed last year in the program’s initial round of funding. MPPEP grants are intended to assist producers and their partners to expand operations, improve the food supply chain and create better markets for producers. This program is part of ongoing efforts to promote a fairer, more competitive and more resilient meat and poultry supply chain.

MPPEP grants can be used by eligible applicants to build or modernize facilities and equipment, make use of new technologies, expand their workforce, as well as other uses. Counties are considered eligible to apply for these funds through MPPEP. Successful applicants are eligible to receive grant awards between $250,000 and $10 million. However, project sponsors must be able to cover 70 percent of the total project cost.

Applications for the MPPEP can be submitted here by November 22, 2023. Details on eligibility requirements are available on the same webpage. Counties are eligible to apply for funding through MPPEP and can work with local partners to help strengthen local food systems.

Counties can use this program to develop robust local food systems. By expanding and supporting local meat and poultry processors, counties can help build meat and poultry processors which are more resilient in the face of crises.

Counties support opportunities for economic development and diversification that the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program provides to our communities. Counties also support efforts to financially support livestock, ranching and other farming industries. Finally, counties approve of efforts to better support small and mid-sized producers. NACo will continue to work with our federal partners in Congress and at USDA RD to reduce barriers for county governments and residents interested in accessing federal resources.