Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG)

The Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) supports meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities in making improvements and carrying out planning activities necessary to obtain a Federal Grant of Inspection or to operate as a State-inspected facility compliant with the cooperative interstate shipment program. The program focuses on improving meat and poultry slaughter and processing capacity and efficiency, developing new markets, increasing capacity, maintaining strong inspection and food safety standards, and increasing access to slaughter/processing facilities for smaller farms and ranches. Eligible applicants include meat and poultry slaughter or processing facilities that are operational at the time of application and are seeking to obtain a Federal Grant of Inspection or operate as a State-inspected facility. The maximum award amount is $200,000, and the project duration is 36 months. Key activities eligible for funding include modernizing or expanding an existing facility, modernizing processing and manufacturing equipment, meeting packaging and labeling compliance requirements, and developing processes to ensure food safety.