MPPEP Phase 3 Invasive Wild-Caught Catfish

The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP)—Phase 3, Invasive, Wild-Caught Catfish is a federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically through the Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS). This program is authorized under Section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and receives funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025. The purpose of this phase of MPPEP is to support seafood processors in increasing capacity for invasive, wild-caught catfish processing. This initiative seeks to strengthen food and agricultural supply chain resiliency while also mitigating environmental harm caused by these invasive species. MPPEP Phase 3 focuses on competitive grant funding for projects involving the purchase and installation of processing equipment. The funding can also be used for internal facility improvements necessary to accommodate new equipment. Other eligible uses include upgrades for food safety, emissions reduction, water efficiency, air quality improvements, packaging and labeling equipment, and staff training related to new processing capacity. The funds are specifically targeted at expanding the capacity and efficiency of existing facilities that process wild-caught catfish, helping to both reduce invasive fish populations and support rural economic development. Eligible applicants include for-profit and nonprofit entities, Tribes and Tribal Entities, producer-owned cooperatives and corporations, certified benefit corporations, and state or local government entities. Private entities must be independently and domestically owned, with facilities located in the United States or U.S. territories. Applicants must currently process wild-caught seafood for commercial markets and have been in business for over one year. They must also have or plan to operate under a USDA FSIS grant of inspection and have a state-recognized invasive species plan that includes catfish. Applicants may request between $250,000 and $1,000,000, not exceeding 50% of the total project cost. A 50% cost share is required, and in-kind contributions do not count toward this match. All costs must be incurred within the grant’s 24-month performance period. Awards will be issued through a Financial Assistance Agreement (Form RD 4280-2). The USDA may offer partial awards and will negotiate revised budgets and work plans in such cases. The application package must include federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B), a project narrative, environmental information, a business plan, financials, resumes, and letters of support. For projects on Tribal lands, a Tribal Resolution of Consent is required if the applicant is not affiliated with the governing Tribe. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 6, 2025. The opportunity opened on August 6, 2025. USDA encourages applicants to start early due to the time required to obtain a UEI, SAM registration, and Grants.gov profile. Evaluation criteria include alignment and intent, market impact, financial viability, technical merit, labor practices, environmental impact, and community support. Competitive applications will describe how the project will increase processing capacity and volume, benefit fishers, and contribute to local economies. Technical assistance is available via mppep@usda.gov and further resources are provided on the MPPEP website. Grant recipients are expected to report performance metrics semi-annually and complete a final report within 120 days of the project’s end. One year after completion, recipients must also submit an outcomes report. Reimbursement of funds is contingent on verification of cost share expenditures and compliance with program rules, including NEPA and BABAA requirements.

Submit early via Grants.gov, ensure SAM.gov and UEI registration is active, use the Application Template to meet narrative requirements, and ensure tracked changes are removed before submission.