Grant Opportunity Supports Invasive Wild-Caught Catfish (US)

Deadline: 07-Dec-2026

The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) is providing grants to support processors of invasive, wild-caught catfish species in expanding processing capacity, increasing economic opportunities and strengthening rural communities. Under Phase 3 Round 2, the programme specifically targets processors working with invasive, wild-caught catfish species. The funding aims to address both the environmental challenges associated with invasive catfish and the economic opportunities that can arise from expanding processing and market capacity. Projects are expected to increase processing capacity and volume, improve incomes for fishers and processors, and create fair wages and stable, safe employment opportunities at processing facilities. The estimated total programme funding is $6 million, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $2 million.

About the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program

The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program was established to strengthen the capacity of meat and poultry processors and provide producers with more processing options. Expanding processing capacity can help strengthen supply chains and create additional opportunities for producers and processors. For Phase 3 Round 2, the programme has a specific focus on invasive, wild-caught catfish species. This focus connects environmental management with economic development by supporting businesses and communities involved in harvesting and processing these species. What Is the Purpose of the Program? The programme aims to expand processing opportunities while generating economic benefits for fishers, processors and rural communities.

The initiative seeks to:

- Increase processing capacity. - Increase the volume of invasive catfish processed. - Strengthen processing supply chains. - Increase incomes for fishers. - Increase incomes for processors. - Support sustainable business growth. - Promote fair wages. - Create stable employment opportunities. - Improve workplace safety. - Stimulate rural economic development. By supporting processing infrastructure and capacity, the programme aims to create stronger connections between wild-caught catfish harvesting, processing and local economic activity. Focus on Invasive, Wild-Caught Catfish Phase 3 Round 2 specifically focuses on processors of invasive, wild-caught catfish species. Invasive catfish can create environmental challenges in areas where they become established. Supporting the harvesting and processing of these species can create an economic pathway while contributing to efforts to manage invasive populations. The programme therefore combines environmental and economic objectives by encouraging increased processing of wild-caught invasive catfish. How Can Projects Benefit Fishers and Processors? Supported projects are expected to create economic opportunities throughout the processing supply chain. Increasing processing capacity and volume can help: - Provide additional opportunities for fishers. - Increase incomes for fishers. - Increase incomes for processors. - Strengthen relationships between harvesters and processors. - Create opportunities for sustainable business growth. Projects should demonstrate how increased processing capacity will translate into tangible economic benefits for people involved in the sector. Support for Rural Communities Rural economic development is an important objective of the programme. Processing facilities can create employment and generate economic activity in rural areas. By supporting business expansion and increased processing volumes, the programme aims to contribute to stronger rural economies. Projects can also create opportunities for workers through stable employment, fair wages and safe working conditions. Employment and Worker Benefits Projects supported through this funding opportunity are expected to provide fair wages and stable, safe job opportunities at processing facilities. The programme therefore focuses not only on increasing processing capacity but also on improving the economic opportunities associated with processing operations. Applicants should consider how their projects will support sustainable employment and contribute to positive economic outcomes for workers and rural communities. How Much Funding Is Available? The estimated total programme funding is $6,000,000. Individual awards are expected to range from:

- Minimum award: $50,000

- Maximum award: $2,000,000

- Estimated total programme funding: $6,000,000

The scale of funding allows the programme to support different types and sizes of eligible processing projects. Applicants should develop project budgets that clearly demonstrate how the requested funding will contribute to increased processing capacity, economic opportunities and the programme’s broader objectives. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to a range of eligible organizations and government entities specified in the full announcement.

Eligible applicants include:

- Native American tribal organizations, other than Federally recognized tribal governments. - For-profit organizations other than small businesses. - City or township governments. - Small businesses. - Federally recognized Native American tribal governments. - County governments. - Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, other than institutions of higher education. - State governments. - Other eligible entities specified in the full programme announcement. Applicants should review the full announcement to determine whether their organization falls within an eligible category and whether any additional requirements apply. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The Phase 3 Round 2 funding is intended for projects involving the processing of invasive, wild-caught catfish species. Projects should contribute to one or more of the programme’s core objectives, including: - Expanding processing capacity. - Increasing processing volume. - Strengthening the processing supply chain. - Increas