The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is encouraging eligible meat processors statewide to apply for funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program – Phase 4.

The program offers $60 million in grant funding aimed at supporting beef-focused processing facilities and strengthening local and regional supply chains, a news release said. The funding is designed to help processors expand capacity, improve efficiency and increase competitiveness within the U.S. beef industry.

“Alabama’s meat processors play a vital role in supporting our cattle producers and ensuring consumers have access to high-quality beef products,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate in the release. “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.”

The application period is open and will close Aug. 7 at 10:59 p.m. 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.”

Grant funding will be divided equally between two categories: Very Small and Small Processors and Intermediate Processors. Each category will undergo a separate competitive review process.

Applicants can choose from two grant options.

Processing Expansion Projects provide awards ranging from $50,000 to $2 million. Eligible expenses include equipment purchases exceeding $250,000, facility upgrades, renovations and retrofits. These projects require applicants to provide a 50% cost share.

Simplified Equipment-Only Projects offer awards ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 and cover equipment costs only. Labor, installation and related expenses are not eligible. Applicants must provide a 25% cost share.

To qualify, applicants must primarily process cattle and have been operating for at least one year. Eligible entities include for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, producer-owned cooperatives, Tribes and tribal entities.

According to ADAI, the program gives processors an opportunity to purchase new equipment, improve facilities, increase processing capacity and enhance operational efficiency while supporting rural economic growth and strengthening local supply chains.

The department recommends interested processors assess their operational needs, determine the appropriate project category, secure the required matching funds and prepare application materials, including project narratives, financial documents and cost-share verification.

More information is available at www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program-phase-4.