Up to $60 million in federal funding is available for eligible independent cattle processors. The application deadline is August 7, 2026. Avalon Growth Capital guides qualified businesses through every step of the process.

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This is a substantial federal opportunity that most eligible processors never apply to

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The USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) was created to strengthen local and regional beef supply chains by helping independent processors expand capacity, upgrade equipment, and improve facility infrastructure. Phase 4 is focused on primary processors of cattle and is open to for-profit organizations, nonprofits, producer-owned cooperatives, and tribal entities.

The application involves documented cost-share, a competitive project narrative, USDA registration, and a clear alignment with program priorities. Many eligible processors often just need clear guidance to effectively secure funding through this program

Avalon Growth Capital works with business owners and management teams to prepare, submit, track, and close grant applications with strategic precision. As a partner in the space we strive to provide the greatest possible outcomes to the qualified businesses and organizations of this program.

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Program Overview

What MPPEP Phase 4 Offers

Processing Expansion Projects: $50,000 – $2,000,000

50% cost-share required. Project period up to 36 months. Covers improvements, renovations, retrofits, and equipment purchases over $250,000 to expand processing capacity at an existing facility.

Simplified Equipment Projects: $10,000 – $250,000

25% cost-share required. Project period up to 24 months. Equipment costs only. Does not cover renovation, labor, installation, or certification costs.

Total Program Funding: $60,000,000

Divided equally between two separate competitions: Very Small and Small Processors in one pool, Intermediate Processors in the other. Each pool has its own ranking and award process.

Aug 7, 2026 - Submission deadline at 11:59 PM ET via https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362298

Registration requires 2–4 weeks to process. Processors who have not already registered should act immediately.

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Eligibility

Who Qualifies

• For-profit organizations, nonprofits, producer-owned cooperatives, tribes, and tribal entities that are independently owned and domestically owned
• Facility is currently engaged in the primary processing of cattle for commercial markets
• Facility operating under FSIS, Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS), or state-equivalent inspection with standards at least equal to Federal inspection
• In operation for at least one year as of the date of application
• Processor meets the definition of Very Small, Small, or Intermediate Processor per Section 1.3 of the Phase 4 NOFO
• Applicant can document the required cost-share commitment prior to final award approval
• Facility is focused on existing capacity improvements; projects must be within an existing facility footprint

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Important: Prior Awardee Restriction

Entities with an active award under MPPEP Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, the AMS Local Meat Capacity Grants program, or the AMS Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant program are not eligible until their period of performance has ended. Nationally dominant processors are also ineligible. Confirm your eligibility before engaging in the application process.

Our Process

How Avalon Approaches This Program

01 Prepare

Our teams host a Virtual Data Room for document collection and develop a project plan with detailed goals, objectives, and team qualifications. We confirm inspection status, processor size classification, and cost-share capacity. We then verify eligibility against the full NOFO requirements.

02 Submit

Once we have prepared the materials, we submit a complete application package addressing every MPPEP Phase 4 evaluation criterion by the August 7 deadline.

03 Track & Close

The team monitors application status and responds to USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service inquiries. We assist through conditional approval requirements and award closing.

04 Post-Close

Avalon's team provides ongoing support for required USDA grant reporting and compliance obligations throughout the full period of performance, up to 36 months.

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Grant Writing Best Practices

1. Position the project as a supply chain resilience solution.

2. Target the correct processor size classification and funding competition.

3. Demonstrate active FSIS, CIS, or state-equivalent inspection status.

4. Show immediate project readiness for activation.

5. Leverage private capital: document the required cost-share.

6. Emphasize job creation and local economic impacts of business and organization.

7. Address USDA policy priorities around competition and local supply chains.

8. Secure strong letters of support.

9. Highlight replicability and regional supply chain impact.

10. Present clear, measurable outcomes tied to processing volume growth.

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Application Timeline

The Window Is Open Now

Now — June 2026

Define the project and the team. Begin registration at https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362298 immediately (allow 2–4 weeks for processing). Verify your eligibility if you have received a prior MPPEP or AMS award.

June — July 2026

Develop the Project Plan narrative. Prepare the Capital Budget and document cost-share. Obtain Letters of Support and secure matching funds.

One Month Before Deadline

Register with Grants.gov. Finalize all application forms. Final review of the complete package against all USDA evaluation criteria.

Submission & Beyond

Submit via Grants.gov by August 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Track the application, respond to USDA questions, close the award, and fulfill ongoing reporting obligations throughout the period of performance.

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About Avalon Growth Capital

Avalon Growth Capital serves founder-operated businesses across the United States, with deep experience in agricultural lending, capital markets, and federal program navigation. Our team of experts have held credit approval authority in institutional agricultural lending and have guided clients through USDA programs across every stage of the process.

We work with small to mid-size processors from eligibility assessment through award close ensuring post-close compliance and long term success for the business owner and organization.