WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is rolling out a package of regulatory and operational changes aimed at easing compliance burdens for small meat and poultry processors while opening a new $60 million funding round to expand domestic processing capacity.
The agency’s new Small Processors Action Plan targets federally inspected small and very small meat and poultry facilities, which make up most federally inspected establishments and play a significant role in rural food production and local supply chains.
The initiative comes as USDA seeks to expand processing capacity and increase competition in a sector dominated by a small number of large processors. The agency said the plan is designed to improve interactions between processors and federal regulators while maintaining existing food safety standards.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the effort is intended to reduce administrative hurdles and improve support for smaller operators.
“We are removing overly burdensome red tape, improving service, and giving small plants the clarity and support these businesses need to operate safely, grow, and compete,” Rollins said.
Under the plan, USDA will create new systems for processors to submit and track appeals and requests, establish dedicated support channels for small businesses, and expand assistance for facilities with limited internet access or technology resources.
The agency also plans to update plain-language guidance from the Food Safety and Inspection Service, improve visibility of agency contacts and support resources, and introduce tools intended to simplify interactions with USDA systems.
Additional measures include streamlining processes related to inspection staffing concerns and appeals, increasing consistency in regulatory enforcement through training and guidance, and expanding coordination with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Separately, USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service has opened the fourth funding round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program, making $60 million available to processors seeking to expand capacity.
The funding will be split evenly between two competitions: one for small and very small processors and another for intermediate-sized processors.
Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, producer-owned cooperatives, tribes, and tribal entities. Applicants must be domestically owned and operate processing facilities in the United States or its territories.
USDA said eligible facilities must primarily process cattle to qualify for the program, though grant funds and equipment may also support meat and poultry processing activities conducted at those facilities.
The funding initiative is part of USDA’s broader effort to strengthen domestic meat processing infrastructure, increase supply chain resilience, and expand market opportunities for independent processors.
Additional information about the program is available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/meat-and-poultry-processing-expansion-program-phase-4. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov.
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