USDA on Oct. 26 announced that processors in 40 states are set to receive $57 million to expand their capacity through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP).
“We are focused on rebuilding the Great American Cattle Herd, and providing more local processing opportunities will continue to give confidence to our ranchers to help us fulfill this goal,” said USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.
MPPEP will invest more than $57 million in 147 tentative awards across 40 states, pending congressional allotment. The program provides grants to help independent processors expand their capacity in order to encourage competition and sustainable growth in the meat processing sector, according to USDA.
Eligible private entities must be independently owned and operated, and all entities must be domestically owned.
