{"id":3372,"date":"2026-11-11T12:50:04","date_gmt":"2026-11-11T12:50:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/?p=3372"},"modified":"2026-11-11T12:54:51","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T12:54:51","slug":"usda-meat-processing-grants-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/governmentgrants\/usda-meat-processing-grants-us\/","title":{"rendered":"USDA Meat and Poultry Processing Grants: Funding Equipment for Plant Expansion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-1 is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-800b4e77 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px;border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px;background-color:#12263a;margin-bottom:20px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\" style=\"line-height:1.4\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:6px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_a5362e-36:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_a5362e-36 ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_a5362e-36 ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:35px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_a5362e-36 .kb-svg-icon-wrap{font-size:10px;color:#ef8e27;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_a5362e-36 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_a5362e-36 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap, .kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_a5362e-36 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap a{line-height:1.2em;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_a5362e-36 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-level-0 .kt-svg-icon-list-single svg{font-size:20px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_a5362e-36 kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone kt-list-icon-aligntop\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_93158d-1c .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_93158d-1c\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">MPPEP Phase 4 offered $60 million in funding for meat and poultry processing expansion, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $2 million. Applications closed on August 7, 2026, so processors should prepare ahead of the next funding round.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_f474dc-41 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_f474dc-41\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Two funding tracks were available: Processing Expansion Projects offered $50,000\u2013$2 million with a 50% match, while Equipment-Only Projects offered $10,000\u2013$250,000 with a 25% match. Equipment-only funding excludes installation, labour, renovation and certification costs.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_2a931b-b1 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_2a931b-b1\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Eligibility depends on the funding phase. Phase 4 primarily targeted domestically owned, independently operated facilities in the US that had been operating for at least one year and primarily processed cattle. Other USDA options include Local MCap, MPILP, Business and Industry guaranteed loans, and MPPTA technical assistance.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_2c2dcd-10 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_2c2dcd-10\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Preparation is critical for the next application window. Processors should identify specific equipment requirements, collect detailed quotations, quantify capacity improvements, confirm matching funds, complete SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations, and arrange producer support letters.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_dc4fec-c5 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_dc4fec-c5\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Applications should demonstrate measurable capacity improvements and local benefits. Projects focused on increasing processing capacity, supporting local producers and having realistic implementation plans are stronger than routine equipment replacement or maintenance projects.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_144d68-37 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_144d68-37\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">&#8211; Cybernetik supports grant-funded expansion with cooking and thermal processing systems, material handling, conveying, case packing and palletizing, along with detailed equipment specifications and quotations for grant documentation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grant money for meat and poultry processing has been the most accessible federal funding in food manufacturing for several years, and it keeps coming back in phases. The catch is that the application windows are short, usually around three months, and a plant that starts preparing when the notice appears is already behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The headline program is the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program, or MPPEP. Phase 4 made $60 million available, opened on May 7, 2026 and closed on August 7, 2026, with awards ranging from $10,000 for equipment-only projects up to $2 million for larger expansions. It is closed for now, which makes this a good moment to understand how it works before the next round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below is what MPPEP funds, who qualifies, the other USDA routes worth knowing, and what to have ready so the next window is usable rather than wasted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where MPPEP Phase 4 Landed<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phase 4 was framed around the beef industry. USDA Rural Development ran it through the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and the defining eligibility test was that the applicant&#8217;s facility must primarily process cattle, although grant funds and equipment could also be used for other meat and poultry at the same location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Funding was divided equally into two competitions, one for very small and small processors and one for intermediate processors, which keeps a 20-employee plant from bidding directly against a much larger one. Applications went through Grants.gov and closed at 11:59 pm Eastern on August 7, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Two Funding Tracks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Track<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Award Range<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Match Required<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>What It Covers<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Processing Expansion Projects<\/td><td>$50,000 to $2 million<\/td><td>50%<\/td><td>Activities that increase or diversify capacity, including equipment over $250,000 and the facility work needed to install it<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Simplified Equipment-Only Projects<\/td><td>$10,000 to $250,000<\/td><td>25%<\/td><td>Equipment purchases only, with installation, labor, renovation and certification costs excluded<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>MPPEP Phase 4 notice of funding opportunity, USDA Rural Development, May 2026. Terms change between phases, so check the current notice at rd.usda.gov before planning.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The equipment-only track is easy to underrate. The award ceiling is lower, but so is the match, and the application is simpler because you are not documenting construction work. For a plant that needs a specific machine rather than a full expansion, it is usually the faster route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The distinction matters when you scope the project. If installation and site work are inside the request, you are in the expansion track with a 50% match. If you can separate the machine from the work around it, the lighter track may apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who Qualifies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_f7300f-d9:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_f7300f-d9 ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_f7300f-d9 ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:35px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_f7300f-d9 .kb-svg-icon-wrap{font-size:10px;color:#ef8e27;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_f7300f-d9 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_f7300f-d9 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap, .kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_f7300f-d9 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap a{line-height:1.2em;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_f7300f-d9 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-level-0 .kt-svg-icon-list-single svg{font-size:20px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_f7300f-d9 kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone kt-list-icon-aligntop\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_ddf201-e6 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_ddf201-e6\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">For-profit and nonprofit organizations, producer-owned cooperatives, Tribes and Tribal entities<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_c47d5b-6c .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_c47d5b-6c\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Domestically owned applicants, independently operated if privately owned<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_5c68ed-7a .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_5c68ed-7a\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Facilities physically located and operating in the United States or its territories<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_4dbac1-0a .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_4dbac1-0a\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Businesses that have been operating for at least a year<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_4cc763-4c .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_4cc763-4c\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Facilities primarily processing cattle, under the Phase 4 criteria<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\">The domestic ownership test applies to the <a href=\"https:\/\/process.cybernetik.com\/\">processor applying for the grant<\/a>, not to the equipment supplier. A US-owned plant can buy machinery from an international manufacturer and remain eligible, though specific notices can carry their own sourcing conditions, so read the current one rather than assuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/USDA-Meat-and-Poultry-Processing-Grants_-Funding-Equipment-for-Plant-Expansion.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3391\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px;border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/USDA-Meat-and-Poultry-Processing-Grants_-Funding-Equipment-for-Plant-Expansion.webp 1920w, https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/USDA-Meat-and-Poultry-Processing-Grants_-Funding-Equipment-for-Plant-Expansion-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/USDA-Meat-and-Poultry-Processing-Grants_-Funding-Equipment-for-Plant-Expansion-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/USDA-Meat-and-Poultry-Processing-Grants_-Funding-Equipment-for-Plant-Expansion-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/USDA-Meat-and-Poultry-Processing-Grants_-Funding-Equipment-for-Plant-Expansion-1536x864.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Other USDA Routes When MPPEP Does Not Fit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MPPEP is not the only door, and in some years it is not the open one. Four alternatives are worth knowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Program<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>What It Provides<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Best For<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Local Meat Capacity Grant (Local MCap)<\/td><td>Grants for smaller-scale projects that modernize, diversify or decentralize processing, including rendering<\/td><td>Independently owned processors serving local and regional producers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP)<\/td><td>Funds awarded to lenders, who then lend to processors through revolving loan funds<\/td><td>Processors who need debt rather than a grant, often through a state association<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Business and Industry guaranteed loans<\/td><td>USDA-guaranteed lending for rural businesses, including food manufacturers<\/td><td>Larger projects where a guarantee makes a bank loan possible<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance (MPPTA)<\/td><td>Free technical assistance on applications, business planning and feasibility work<\/td><td>Any processor preparing an application, at no cost<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MPPTA is the one most processors overlook. It is a network of organizations funded to help applicants navigate federal grant applications and project development, and it costs nothing to use. If you are planning to apply in the next round, contacting a technical assistance provider early is a better use of time than drafting on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>State Programs Run on Their Own Calendars<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several states run their own meat processing grants, often smaller but with less competition and simpler applications. Wisconsin has offered Meat Processor Infrastructure Grants through repeated rounds, open to processors licensed in the state that are increasing harvest or production capacity. Indiana has channeled USDA intermediary lending money through a state association as a revolving loan fund for small and very small processors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because these programs are administered locally, their windows rarely line up with the federal ones. A plant that tracks both has roughly twice as many chances in a given year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A Short History, and Why Phases Matter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MPPEP grew out of pandemic-era supply chain funding under the American Rescue Plan, which is why it arrives in phases rather than as an annual program. Earlier phases were broader, covering meat and poultry processing generally, with larger awards and a wider applicant pool. Phase 2 alone made well over $100 million available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\">Phase 4 was narrower and smaller, aimed squarely at <a href=\"https:\/\/process.cybernetik.com\/\">cattle processing and capped at $2 million per award<\/a>. That pattern is worth understanding before you plan around it. Each notice can change the target sector, the award ceiling and the match, so a project scoped for one phase may not fit the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What has stayed constant is the underlying policy goal: more independent processing capacity, closer to producers. Projects that serve that goal tend to remain fundable even as the specifics move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What the Money Can and Cannot Buy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-5 wp-block-paragraph\">Across phases, the fundable items have been reasonably consistent. <a href=\"https:\/\/process.cybernetik.com\/\">Processing equipment, <\/a>the facility work needed to install it, and improvements that increase or diversify capacity are in scope on the expansion track. On the equipment-only track, the machine is in scope but installation, labor, renovation and certification costs are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Things that generally fall outside include working capital, existing debt, land purchase, and routine replacement that does not add capacity. Replacing a worn machine with an identical one is a maintenance decision, not an expansion project, and it reads that way to a reviewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Be Ready for the Next Round<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phase 4 ran for three months from notice to deadline. That is enough time to submit a strong application only if the groundwork is already done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Decide what you would buy.<\/strong> A specific machine or line, not a general ambition to expand.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Get detailed quotations.<\/strong> Specifications, capacity, delivery lead time and a clear price breakdown, refreshed annually so they are not stale.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quantify the capacity increase.<\/strong> Head per day, pounds per shift, or cases per hour, before and after. Reviewers score measurable outcomes.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confirm your match.<\/strong> Applicants have to identify the source of matching funds and verify them before an award is finalized, so a vague commitment from a bank is not enough.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Register early.<\/strong> SAM.gov registration and Grants.gov access take time and expire, and this is a common reason applications fail at the last hour.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Line up support letters.<\/strong> Producers who would use the added capacity make the local supply chain argument for you.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Talk to MPPTA.<\/strong> Free help, and the providers know how these applications are read.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Reviewers Are Actually Scoring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three themes run through these programs, and they show up in the scoring criteria in different forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_39a483-90:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_39a483-90 ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_39a483-90 ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:35px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_39a483-90 .kb-svg-icon-wrap{font-size:10px;color:#ef8e27;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_39a483-90 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_39a483-90 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap, .kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_39a483-90 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap a{line-height:1.2em;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_39a483-90 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-level-0 .kt-svg-icon-list-single svg{font-size:20px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_39a483-90 kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone kt-list-icon-aligntop\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_6cc4f2-27 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_6cc4f2-27\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Capacity that is real and measurable.<\/strong> The application should state how much more the plant can process, and the equipment specification should support the claim. A capacity number that the quoted machine cannot deliver is the fastest way to lose credibility.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_7001ce-a3 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_7001ce-a3\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Benefit to local producers.<\/strong> These programs exist to give livestock producers more processing options. An application that explains which producers gain access, and how far they currently travel, is stronger than one that focuses only on the applicant&#8217;s revenue.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_b02f7c-cb .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_b02f7c-cb\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Ability to finish the project.<\/strong> Matching funds, a realistic schedule, and evidence that the business can operate the new capacity once installed. Grant committees are wary of projects that stall after award.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Grants Are Not the Only Way to Fund the Same Machine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A grant is attractive because the money does not come back, but the timeline rarely matches an equipment lead time. Between the notice, the application, the review and the award, a year can pass, and the plant still has to run in the meantime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\">Two things are worth doing in parallel. First, check whether the project works without the grant, using SBA-backed lending or a <a href=\"https:\/\/process.cybernetik.com\/\">conventional loan<\/a>, with the grant treated as upside rather than as the foundation. Second, remember the tax side: equipment bought outright is deductible in the year it is placed in service, and full first-year expensing is available, which changes the cash picture considerably for a profitable plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plants that plan this way tend to get further. The project is defined and financeable, and if a grant window opens, the application is ready to submit rather than being written from scratch against a deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What a Grant Application Needs From Your Equipment Supplier<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_349a7e-de:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_349a7e-de ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_349a7e-de ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:35px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_349a7e-de .kb-svg-icon-wrap{font-size:10px;color:#ef8e27;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_349a7e-de ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_349a7e-de ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap, .kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_349a7e-de ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap a{line-height:1.2em;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_349a7e-de ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-level-0 .kt-svg-icon-list-single svg{font-size:20px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_349a7e-de kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone kt-list-icon-aligntop\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_fe0234-6f .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_fe0234-6f\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">A formal quotation with model-level detail, not a budget estimate<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_3b5007-bd .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_3b5007-bd\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Rated throughput, stated under defined operating conditions<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_a8c712-1d .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_a8c712-1d\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Utility and space requirements, so the facility work can be scoped<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_7a6608-08 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_7a6608-08\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Lead time from order to delivery, and an installation and commissioning schedule<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_1d1540-40 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_1d1540-40\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">A cost breakdown separating equipment from freight, installation and commissioning, which matters because the two tracks treat those costs differently<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_daf459-3b .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_daf459-3b\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\">Confirmation of US service and spare parts support, which reviewers and lenders both ask about<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:29px\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-503\" style=\"width: 65px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Frame-1.svg\" alt=\"\"><strong>&#8220;A strong equipment proposal connects investment to measurable results. Rated capacity, delivery timelines, installation requirements, and cost breakdowns help build a credible grant application<\/strong>.<strong>&#8220;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-luminous-vivid-amber-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-7 is-horizontal is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-e8523bbf wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"text-decoration:none\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-d9c85f36 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-thumbnail\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/minus-2-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-898\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/minus-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/minus-2-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.cybernetik.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/minus-2.webp 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cybernetik.com\/contact.html\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/cybernetik.com\/contact.html\">Cybernetik Engineering Team<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:34px\">See it in action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Distribution &amp; Primary Packaging | Cybernetik Chocolate Automation\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/v4fbs2KDt_8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong>Common Reasons Applications Fail<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_7b0d16-ed:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_7b0d16-ed ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_7b0d16-ed ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:35px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_7b0d16-ed .kb-svg-icon-wrap{font-size:10px;color:#ef8e27;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_7b0d16-ed ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_7b0d16-ed ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap, .kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_7b0d16-ed ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap a{line-height:1.2em;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_7b0d16-ed ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-level-0 .kt-svg-icon-list-single svg{font-size:20px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_7b0d16-ed kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone kt-list-icon-aligntop\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_c0c25f-59 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_c0c25f-59\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Registration problems.<\/strong> SAM.gov and Grants.gov access not in place, or expired, when the deadline arrives.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_a6f81e-3c .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_a6f81e-3c\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Unverified match.<\/strong> Matching funds identified in general terms but not evidenced when the award is being finalized.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_a3308e-fd .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_a3308e-fd\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>A capacity claim the equipment cannot support.<\/strong> Numbers in the narrative that the quoted machine does not deliver.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_c343e0-fe .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_c343e0-fe\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>A project that is really maintenance.<\/strong> Replacing equipment without adding or diversifying capacity.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_e07bdd-3c .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_e07bdd-3c\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Nothing about local producers.<\/strong> An application written entirely from the applicant&#8217;s point of view, with no evidence of who else benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where Automation Fits in a Meat or Poultry Plant<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most grant-funded projects concentrate on the bottlenecks that limit throughput rather than on the kill floor itself. In practice that tends to mean cooking and thermal processing, material handling between stages, and the end of the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cybernetik.com\/contact.html\">Cooking capacity<\/a> is often the constraint in further-processed products, and it is the step where consistency affects yield directly. Material handling between stages, including transferring product between vessels and lines, is usually where labor sits. And packing is where a plant discovers that faster production upstream only helps if cases and pallets can keep up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scoping a project around the actual constraint, rather than buying the most visible machine, also makes a better application. Reviewers can follow an argument that says this step limits the plant to a certain output and this equipment removes it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Working With Cybernetik on a Grant-Funded Project<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cybernetik builds processing and packaging automation for food manufacturers, supporting US plants through Cybernetik Inc in Summerville, South Carolina, with more than 6,000 installations worldwide since 1989. For a grant application, the useful part is the documentation as much as the equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_aeca62-d5:not(.this-stops-third-party-issues){margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_aeca62-d5 ul.kt-svg-icon-list:not(.this-prevents-issues):not(.this-stops-third-party-issues):not(.tijsloc){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);margin-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_aeca62-d5 ul.kt-svg-icon-list{grid-row-gap:35px;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_aeca62-d5 .kb-svg-icon-wrap{font-size:10px;color:#ef8e27;}.wp-block-kadence-iconlist.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_aeca62-d5 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap .kt-svg-icon-list-single{margin-right:10px;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_aeca62-d5 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap, .kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_aeca62-d5 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap a{line-height:1.2em;}.kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_aeca62-d5 ul.kt-svg-icon-list .kt-svg-icon-list-level-0 .kt-svg-icon-list-single svg{font-size:20px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-iconlist kt-svg-icon-list-items kt-svg-icon-list-items3372_aeca62-d5 kt-svg-icon-list-columns-1 alignnone kt-list-icon-aligntop\"><ul class=\"kt-svg-icon-list\"><style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_9d961a-a6 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_9d961a-a6\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Quotations built for a grant file.<\/strong> Specifications, rated capacity, utilities, lead time and a cost breakdown separated into equipment, freight and installation.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_dd2a9c-c2 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_dd2a9c-c2\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Capacity figures that match the claim.<\/strong> The throughput in your application should be the throughput the equipment is designed to deliver, stated with its conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_f35ef8-7c .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_f35ef8-7c\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Industrial cooking and thermal processing.<\/strong> Systems for further-processed products where consistency and yield drive the business case.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n<style>.kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_120c18-29 .kt-svg-icon-list-text mark.kt-highlight{background-color:unset;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<li class=\"wp-block-kadence-listitem kt-svg-icon-list-item-wrap kt-svg-icon-list-item-3372_120c18-29\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_circle kt-svg-icon-list-single\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119 8 8 119 8 256s111 248 248 248 248-111 248-248S393 8 256 8z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"kt-svg-icon-list-text\"><strong>Handling and end-of-line.<\/strong> Transfer, conveying, case packing and palletizing, so added upstream capacity actually reaches the dock.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We do not write grant applications or advise on eligibility. Use MPPTA or a grant consultant for that. Our part is making sure the equipment behind the application is specified accurately and delivered on the schedule you committed to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-9 is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-bcf883e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px;border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px;background-color:#12263a;margin-bottom:20px;padding-top:20px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10 wp-container-content-29dca9c1\" style=\"font-size:34px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;line-height:1.4\">Want to know more about our solution?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons wp-container-content-69bc4bdf is-content-justification-right is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-88867f99 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:6;padding-right:6;padding-bottom:6;padding-left:6\">\n<div style=\"--wp--block-button--width: 100;\" class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill has-custom-width wp-block-button__width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-right wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/meetings-eu1.hubspot.com\/anand-gaikar\" style=\"background-color:#ee8d26;padding-top:10px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:20px\">Book a call<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>Frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:14px;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;background:#ffffff;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:0px solid #949494;border-right:0px solid #949494;border-bottom:1px solid #abb8c3;border-left:0px solid #949494;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;background:#ffffff;font-size:var(--global-kb-font-size-md, 1.25rem);line-height:1.5em;letter-spacing:-0.1px;font-weight:400;text-transform:capitalize;color:#12263a;padding-top:14px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#12263a;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#12263a;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{color:#12263a;background:#ffffff;border-top-color:#474747;border-right-color:#474747;border-bottom-color:#474747;border-left-color:#474747;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion--visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ff6900;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#ff6900;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{color:#12263a;background:#ffffff;border-top-color:#abb8c3;border-right-color:#abb8c3;border-bottom-color:#abb8c3;border-left-color:#abb8c3;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle )  > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ff6900;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#ff6900;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:0px solid #949494;border-right:0px solid #949494;border-bottom:1px solid #abb8c3;border-left:0px solid #949494;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top-color:#474747;border-right-color:#474747;border-bottom-color:#474747;border-left-color:#474747;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top-color:#abb8c3;border-right-color:#abb8c3;border-bottom-color:#abb8c3;border-left-color:#abb8c3;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{display:block;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f .kt-accordion-inner-wrap .kt-accordion-pane:not(:first-child){margin-top:14px;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:0px solid #949494;border-right:0px solid #949494;border-bottom:1px solid #abb8c3;border-left:0px solid #949494;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, \n\t\t\t\tbody:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top-color:#474747;border-right-color:#474747;border-bottom-color:#474747;border-left-color:#474747;}.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible,\n\t\t\t\t.kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f > .kt-accordion-inner-wrap > .wp-block-kadence-pane > .kt-accordion-header-wrap > .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top-color:#abb8c3;border-right-color:#abb8c3;border-bottom-color:#abb8c3;border-left-color:#abb8c3;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-accordion alignnone\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-wrap kt-accordion-id3372_fed730-8f kt-accordion-has-19-panes kt-active-pane-0 kt-accordion-block kt-pane-header-alignment-left kt-accodion-icon-style-none kt-accodion-icon-side-right\" style=\"max-width:none\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-inner-wrap\" data-allow-multiple-open=\"false\" data-start-open=\"0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-1 kt-pane3372_831000-c4\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Is the USDA meat processing grant still open?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MPPEP Phase 4 closed to applications on August 7, 2026. USDA has run the program in phases since 2021, and other programs such as Local Meat Capacity grants and state-level schemes open on their own schedules, so check rd.usda.gov and your state agriculture department for current windows.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-2 kt-pane3372_3d2aff-76\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">How much can a meat processor receive under MPPEP?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Phase 4, processing expansion projects ranged from $50,000 to $2 million with a 50% match, and simplified equipment-only projects ranged from $10,000 to $250,000 with a 25% match. Terms are set in each phase&#8217;s notice of funding opportunity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-3 kt-pane3372_8ef732-eb\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Can grant money be used to buy imported equipment?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The eligibility conditions in Phase 4 applied to the applicant, who had to be domestically owned and independently operated with facilities in the United States. They did not restrict where the equipment was manufactured. Individual notices can add sourcing conditions, so check the current one.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-11 kt-pane3372_24f9dd-94\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">What is the difference between MPPEP and Local MCap?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MPPEP is run by USDA Rural Development and has focused on expanding processing capacity, with Phase 4 targeted at cattle processors. Local MCap is run by the Agricultural Marketing Service and supports smaller-scale projects that give local livestock producers more processing options, including rendering.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-18 kt-pane3372_294b1f-01\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Where can a small processor get free help with an application?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Meat and Poultry Processing Technical Assistance program funds a network of organizations that help processors with grant applications, business planning and feasibility work at no cost. It is worth contacting them before a funding window opens rather than during it.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Grant money for meat and poultry processing has been the most accessible federal funding in food manufacturing for several years, and it keeps coming&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3391,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[33],"class_list":["post-3372","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-governmentgrants","tag-government-grants"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - 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