USDA launches Small Processors Action Plan with $60m in funding
Plan aims to cut red tape and expand capacity for small US meat plants
15 June 2026
2 minute read
By: The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the Small Processors Action Plan earlier this month, a new set of actions to better support small and very small meat and poultry processing plants, improve customer service and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining strong food safety protections for consumers, according to a USDA press release.
Additionally, Rollins announced that USDA is accepting applications for the fourth round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) to expand American meat and poultry processing.
"Today's announcement marks another step toward rebuilding our domestic beef industry, the actions contained in the new Small Processors Action Plan modernize USDA's approach to the people and small businesses who process American locally grown beef and protein. We are removing overly burdensome red tape, improving service, and giving small plants the clarity and support these business need to operate safely, grow, and compete," said US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. "By expanding local processing capabilities, we're continuing to bolster our domestic producers, which are central to the President's Make America Healthy Again agenda."
Small and very small plants make up the majority of federally inspected establishments and play a critical role in local economies, rural communities and the resilience of the nation's food supply. The actions are designed to make it easier for these businesses to interact with the agency, get timely answers and resolve issues without weakening inspection or food safety standards. Measures include creating clearer ways for small plants to submit and track appeals, establishing dedicated support to help small businesses navigate processes, updating plain-language guidance tailored to small and very small plants, and streamlining processes related to FSIS inspection staffing concerns and appeals. USDA said it will begin rolling out these improvements immediately.
The USDA Rural Business and Cooperative Service also published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for $60 million to fund a fourth phase of the MPPEP to help eligible meat and poultry processors expand their capacity, encourage competition and sustainable growth in the US meat processing sector, and improve supply chain resiliency. Available funding will be divided equally into two separate competitions: one for small and very small processors and one for intermediate processors.
Eligible applications include for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, producer-owned cooperatives, tribes and tribal entities. All entities must be domestically owned and the applicant's processing facility must be physically located and operating in the US or its territories. The applicant's facility must primarily process cattle to be eligible, though funds or equipment may be used for processing meat and poultry at the facility.
Both the Small Processors Action Plan and the additional $60 million in funding for the MPPEP build on USDA's Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry.
