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Grants / Agriculture

MPPEP Phase 3 Invasive Wild-Caught Catfish

Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Department of Agriculture

Deadline
December 7, 2026
Award size
$50,000 to $2 millionAbout 6 awards
Matching funds
RequiredYou must contribute some of the cost
Fit for small groups
Better for larger organizations

In plain language

This grant helps pay for projects that expand processing capacity for invasive wild-caught catfish. It supports businesses and organizations that process fish and create jobs in rural areas.

The money can pay for

  • Expanding processing capacity
  • Increasing processing volume
  • Creating jobs
  • Improving incomes for fishers and processors

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include governments, nonprofits, small businesses, for-profit organizations, and other entities as described in the eligibility information.

Is it a fit for a small group?

Better for larger organizations. This grant is mainly for businesses, governments, or organizations involved in processing fish, not for small community nonprofits like food pantries or arts groups.

Before you apply

  • Matching funds are required
  • Only 6 awards will be made
  • Eligibility includes a wide range of organizations
  • Federal applicants need an active registration at SAM.gov and a Grants.gov account. Registration can take several weeks, so start early.

This summary was written by GrantGather with AI, based on the official listing. It can contain mistakes. Check the official listing on Grants.gov before you apply.

From the official listing

The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) provides grants to help eligible meat and poultry processors expand their capacity, which creates new, better and more processing options for meat and poultry producers. The goal for MPPEP Phase 3 Round 2 is to support Processors of Invasive, Wild-Caught Catfish species by increasing Processing capacity and providing greater opportunity in this sector. Strategies that can fulfill the goal of this NOFO and ensure lasting impacts include projects to increase Processing capacity; increase Processing volume; elevate incomes for both fishers and Processors; and to provide fair wages, and new, stable and safe job opportunities at Processing facilities to increase economic development in rural communities.

Opportunity number
RD-RBS-26-03-MPPEP
Posted
September 8, 2026
Total funding
$6 million
Eligible applicants
County governments
State governments
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Others (see eligibility details)
City or township governments
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Small businesses
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Eligibility details
for‐profit and nonprofit entities, producer‐owned Cooperatives and corporations, certified benefit corporations, Tribes and Tribal Entities, State or local government entities, and other business types (regardless of legal structure
Assistance listing
10.381 Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program
Agency contact
Nancy D Pletcher Business Loan and Grant Analyst
mppep@usda.gov
785-271-2733
Open the official listing on Grants.govAgency’s full announcement