Phase 3 Invasive Wild-Caught Catfish
🏛 Rural Business-Cooperative Service (USDA-RBCS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 12, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for processors of invasive, wild-caught catfish seeking to expand capacity and production. For-profit and nonprofit entities, producer-owned cooperatives, certified benefit corporations, Tribes, and government entities can apply. Projects must increase processing capacity, volume, or workforce opportunities. Focus areas include fair wages, job creation, and economic development in rural communities.
Geographic scope is national. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to sustainable aquaculture practices and community benefit.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) provides grants to help eligible meat and poultry processors expand their capacity, which creates new, better and more processing options for meat and poultry producers. The goal for MPPEP Phase 3 Round 2 is to support Processors of Invasive, Wild-Caught Catfish species by increasing Processing capacity and providing greater opportunity in this sector. Strategies that can fulfill the goal of this NOFO and ensure lasting impacts include projects to increase Processing capacity; increase Processing volume; elevate incomes for both fishers and Processors; and to provide fair wages, and new, stable and safe job opportunities at Processing facilities to increase economic development in rural communities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Cooperative
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative and Budget Narrative
- Detailed Budget (SF-424C or equivalent)
- Evidence of cost-share commitment
- Letters of support from community partners
- Environmental assessment or compliance documentation
- Financial statements and organizational capacity documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Nancy D Pletcher Business Loan and Grant Analyst
- 📧 mppep@usda.gov
- 📞 785-271-2733
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.381 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$64,000,000
-
$26,969,470
-
$2,674,361
-
$1,000,000
-
$1,000,000
-
$0
-
$0
-
Tbp, Llc TX$0
Top States by Funding
- NH 2 awards $91.0M
- TN 1 awards $2.7M
- MD 1 awards $1.0M
- IL 1 awards $1.0M
- GA 1 awards $0.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
For-profit and nonprofit processors, cooperatives, Tribal entities, and state/local governments can apply. Applicants must process invasive, wild-caught catfish species.
What project activities are funded?
Grants support expanding processing capacity, increasing production volume, improving working conditions, and creating new jobs in rural processing facilities.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $50,000 to $2,000,000. Exact funding depends on project scope and demonstrated need.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is December 7, 2026. This is a fixed date with no rolling acceptance.
What are typical funding priorities?
USDA prioritizes projects that benefit rural communities, support fair wages, create stable employment, and increase market access for catfish processors and fishers.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize how your project creates jobs and supports rural economic development. USDA wants measurable employment impact.
- Document the current processing bottleneck. Explain exactly how your expansion increases catfish processing capacity.
- Include letters of support from local fishers, community leaders, and workforce partners. These strengthen rural impact claims.
- Develop a realistic budget tied to specific equipment, facility upgrades, or workforce training. USDA scrutinizes cost assumptions.
- Demonstrate financial sustainability beyond the grant period. Show how the expanded operation remains viable long-term.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague project scope without specific processing volume targets. Insufficient documentation of how expansion creates actual jobs and regional benefit. Underestimating cost-share requirements or failing to secure committed matching funds early.
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