The Alabama Department of Agriculture is encouraging meat processors that are eligible to apply for a new funding opportunity through the USDA Rural Development Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4.
According to the Department, “The program provides $60 million in grant funding to support beef-focused processing facilities and strengthen local and regional supply chains. Funding is intended to help processors expand capacity, improve efficiency and increase competitiveness within the American beef industry.”
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate said, “Alabama’s meat processors play a vital role in supporting our cattle producers and ensuring consumers have access to high-quality beef products. This program provides a valuable opportunity for processors to invest in their operations, expand capacity and strengthen Alabama’s agricultural economy. We encourage all eligible facilities to explore this highly competitive funding opportunity and apply.”
Eligible applicants must primarily process cattle, have operated for at least one year and may be for profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, tribes or tribal entities or producer-owned cooperatives.
According to the Department, “The application period is currently open and will close on August 7, 2026, at 10:59 p.m. Central Time. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number RD RBS 26 04 or by searching for “Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4.”
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.