Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for meat processing.

Eligible beneficiaries (frontline workers) should monitor the Awarded Grants Page for information about how to apply for their relief payment.

The Farm and Food Workers Relief Grant Program provides approximately $665 million in Consolidated Appropriations Act funds to provide grants to State agencies, Tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations with experience in providing support or relief services to farmworkers or meatpacking workers. Awards will generally range from $5 million to $50 million.

Entities receiving awards will then distribute&#x2004;relief payments to frontline farmworkers and meatpacking workers who incurred expenses preparing for, preventing exposure to, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this program, a one-time direct relief payment of $600 will be available to qualifying frontline farm, grocery, and meatpacking workers for expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

USDA strongly encourages small organizations to partner together or to partner with national organizations in submitting applications to ensure this support has the broadest reach and distribution possible to America’s farm and food workers. AMS will set aside up to a total of $20 million of this amount for one or more grant agreements to benefit grocery store workers. 

USDA AMS has partnered with two organizations, [UFW Foundation](https://www.ufwfoundation.org/usdatechnicalassistance) and [Corazón Latino](https://www.corazonlatino.us/usdata), to provide applicants with technical assistance support as they prepare applications. The technical assistance providers are available to help identify grant preparation resources, potential partners and key considerations when developing a competitive grant application and successful program.



The Farm and Food Workers Relief Grant Program provides approximately $665 million in Consolidated Appropriations Act funds to provide grants to State agencies, Tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations with experience in providing support or relief services to farmworkers or meatpacking workers. Awards will generally range from $5 million to $50 million.
Entities receiving awards will then distribute relief payments to frontline farmworkers and meatpacking workers who incurred expenses preparing for, preventing exposure to, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this program, a one-time direct relief payment of $600 will be available to qualifying frontline farm, grocery, and meatpacking workers for expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
USDA strongly encourages small organizations to partner together or to partner with national organizations in submitting applications to ensure this support has the broadest reach and distribution possible to America’s farm and food workers. AMS will set aside up to a total of $20 million of this amount for one or more grant agreements to benefit grocery store workers. 
USDA AMS has partnered with two organizations, UFW Foundation and Corazón Latino, to provide applicants with technical assistance support as they prepare applications. The technical assistance providers are available to help identify grant preparation resources, potential partners and key considerations when developing a competitive grant application and successful program.

Eligible beneficiaries for this program are defined as hired workers in farming activities, meatpacking, or grocery store work. AMS expects beneficiaries across these worker types to be frontline workers, and not those working in management positions. The grant recipients of the FFWR Grant Program (State agencies, Tribal Entities, and non-profit organizations) will distribute funds to eligible beneficiaries.

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

- Awarded Grants Page
- FY 2023 Awarded Groups

Training

Borrowers should talk to their preferred lender to determine if the lender is approved through the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative. If you have no preferred lender, contact your local RD office at the details above for assistance with identifying a participating lender.

The Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program is a part of USDA’s Build Back Better initiative to strengthen&#x2004;critical supply chains and our food system. This program guarantees loans of up to $40 million for qualified lenders to finance food systems projects, specifically for the start-up or expansion of activities in the middle of the food supply chain. The program will support new investments in infrastructure for food aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution to increase capacity and create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain. This program is fully funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.



The Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program is a part of USDA’s Build Back Better initiative to strengthen critical supply chains and our food system. This program guarantees loans of up to $40 million for qualified lenders to finance food systems projects, specifically for the start-up or expansion of activities in the middle of the food supply chain. The program will support new investments in infrastructure for food aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution to increase capacity and create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain. This program is fully funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Eligible borrowers must be directly engaged in the middle of the food supply chain, specifically the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of food. Examples of the types of entities that may qualify for the program include a meat processor or a food hub. As a borrower, your lender will work with you to verify your project qualifies.

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

- Fact Sheet
- Federal Register Notice
- Frequently Asked Questions

Public Health

Compliance

Facilities

Loans can not be used for
- Lines of credit
- Owner-occupied and rental housing
- Golf courses or golf course supporting infrastructure
- Racetracks or gambling facilities
- Churches or church-controlled organizations
- Fraternal organizations
- Lending, investment, and insurance companies
- Agricultural production
- Distribution or payment to a beneficiary of the borrower, or to an individual or entity that will retain an ownership interest in the borrower

To apply for this program, visit Grants.gov for instructions and application materials. 
All applicant entities must have a current and active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to file an MPILP application. 
Applicants are encouraged to review the Self-Screening Guide to assess preliminary eligibility for the program.

The Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) provides grant funding to intermediary lenders who finance – or plan to finance – the start-up, expansion, or operation of slaughter, or other processing of meat and poultry. The objective of the MPILP is to strengthen the financing capacity for independent meat processors, and to create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain. 



What types of intermediaries can apply for this program?
Private nonprofit corporations, public agencies, Tribes, and cooperatives that finance – or plan to finance – the start-up, expansion, or operation of meat and poultry processing are eligible to apply.
Who are eligible ultimate recipients?
Businesses engaged, or proposing to engage, in the processing of meat or poultry – either directly, or through agreements with other entities - can apply for a loan from the intermediary lender as an ultimate recipient. 
Ultimate recipients must:
- Be a business engaged, or proposing to engage, in commercial meat or poultry processing projects; either directly, or through agreements with other entities
- Comply with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service requirements, or be custom exempt 

Livestock

Poultry

Cattle

Pigs

Sheep

Specialty Livestock

Chickens

Cornish Hens

Ducks

Geese

Turkey

Beef Cattle

Dairy Cattle

Feeder Cattle

Slaughter Cattle

Barrows

Boars

Feeder Pigs

Hogs

Sows

Ewes

Lambs

Rams

Alpacas

Beefalo

Bison

Buffalo

Caribou

Deer

Emus

Equine

Goats

Guinea Pigs

Llamas

Mink

Mohair

Ostrich

Pheasants

Quail

Rabbits

Reindeer

Water Buffalo

Broilers

Chicks

Fryers

Layers

Pullets

Roasters

Ducklings

Goslings

Poults

Toms

Beef Bottom Round

Beef Brisket

Beef Chuck Roast

Beef Eye Round

Beef Flank Steak

Beef Flat Iron Steak

Beef Heart

Beef Liver

Beef London Broil

Beef NY Strip Steak

Beef Oxtail

Beef Rib Steak

Beef Rump Roast

Beef Short Ribs

Beef Sirloin

Beef Sirloin Tip Roast

Beef Skirt Steak

Beef Soup Bones

Beef Stew Meat

Beef Tongue

Beef Top Round

Beef Whole Filet

Ground Beef

Ground Lamb

Lamb Chops

Lamb Heart

Lamb Leg

Lamb Liver

Lamb Shank

Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Stew Meat

Bison Calf

Bison Meat

Horses

Bucks

Nannies

Slaughter Goats

- Fact Sheet
- Grants.gov Posting
- Application checklist 
- Self-screening guide 
- 1970-B exhibit D
- 1970-A exhibit H
- Application template 
- FAQ
- Environmental Checklist
- MPILP vs FSC comparison

Farmers Market

Local Food

Food Systems

Grant funds to intermediaries can be used to operate and expand meat and poultry processing capacity by supporting activities such as:
- Purchasing and developing land
- Constructing a new facility
- Modernizing or expanding an existing facility
- Developing, installing, or modernizing equipment and technology 
- Improving leaseholds
- Ensuring compliance with occupational and other safety requirements 
- Modernizing equipment or facilities to ensure food safety 
- Refinancing debt
- Purchasing cooperative stock (by individual farmers or ranchers in a farmer or rancher cooperative) 
- Purchasing transferable cooperative stock 
- Making loans to a fund that invests primarily in cooperatives (in accordance with the provisions of the program) 
- Qualifying taxable corporate bonds 
- Paying for feasibility studies for meat and processing facilities 
- Undertaking pollution control and abatement
- Handling waste management
- Offsetting start-up costs, working capital, fees and other expenses related to federal inspection

All applications must be electronically submitted to Joshua.k.marshall@agr.nh.gov using the fillable application template provided below. Use the subject line "MPIP RFP 2022".
Additionally, four (4) printed copies of the application must be received by the NHDAMF office no later than 4:00 pm on January 30, 2023. Mail them to: 
Meat Processing Infrastructure Program 
NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food 
PO Box 2042 
Concord, NH 03302-2042

Josh Marshall

The Meat Processing Infrastructure Program (MPIP) is administered by the New Hampshire&#x2004;Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food (DAMF). The grant provides funding for infrastructure investments for local farmers and meat and poultry processing facilities to increase capacity and efficiencies of the meat and poultry processing industry within the state. The goal of the grant program is to alleviate impacts of COVID-19 on the local meat and poultry processing industry by supporting increased capacity, labor saving efficiencies, and encouraging value-added products through capital investments and other related infrastructure improvements.



The Meat Processing Infrastructure Program (MPIP) is administered by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food (DAMF). The grant provides funding for infrastructure investments for local farmers and meat and poultry processing facilities to increase capacity and efficiencies of the meat and poultry processing industry within the state. The goal of the grant program is to alleviate impacts of COVID-19 on the local meat and poultry processing industry by supporting increased capacity, labor saving efficiencies, and encouraging value-added products through capital investments and other related infrastructure improvements.

- Be a new or existing New Hampshire based meat processing facility, farm, or business that provides slaughter, processing, or custom butchering services.
- Be in good standing with the State of New Hampshire.

Trade Relief

Trees

Wildfire

Weather

Fencing

Coronavirus

Hurricane

Tornado

Flood

Drought

Emergency

MPIP will award up to $750,000 through a competitive review process. The maximum individual grant award will be $200,000 and the minimum will be $1,000. There will be one round of funding.

Only electronic applications may be submitted via Grants.gov in response to this RFA. Find the Grants.gov page for this opportunity at this link found under either the Assistance Listing number 10.180, or the Funding Opportunity Number “USDA-AMS-TM-MPIRG-G-21-0001.”
For an overview of the Grants.gov application process see Grants.gov’s Apply for Grants webpage. The Request for Applications contains the information needed to obtain and complete required application forms and AMS-specific attachments.

Eric Bozoian

The Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program assists currently operational meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities in obtaining a Federal Grant of Inspection under the [Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA)](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/food-safety-acts/federal-meat-inspection-act) or the [Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA)](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/food-safety-acts/poultry-products-inspection-act); or to operate as&#x2004;a State-inspected facility that is compliant with FMIA or PPIA under a respective [Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/apply-grant-inspection/state-inspection-programs/cooperative-interstate-shipping-program).

The MPIRG focuses on:

- Improving meat and poultry slaughter and processing capacity and efficiency;

- Developing new and expanding existing markets;

- Increasing capacity and better meeting consumer and producer demand;

- Maintaining strong inspection and food safety standards;

- Obtaining a larger commercial presence; and

- Increasing access to slaughter/processing facilities for smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged producers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities.


### Why would you want a Federal Grant of Inspection?

Obtaining a Federal Grant of Inspection affords you the ability to:

- Sell your products through wholesale channels

- Sell your products across state lines

- Avoid the legal hassle of keeping your operation within an [FSIS inspection exemption](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/import/Compliance-Guideline-LIvestock-Exemptions.pdf).


On the other hand, acquiring and maintaining a Federal Grant of Inspection comes with [significant regulations and responsibilities.](https://pregunteleakaren.gov/wps/wcm/connect/f1dc9098-e8b9-4337-a317-f73ee7ab47c1/Applying_Federal_Grant_Inspection.pdf?MOD=AJPERES) If the trade-off is worth it for your operation, MPIRG is a great opportunity to get a grant to help with that conversion.



The Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) program assists currently operational meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities in obtaining a Federal Grant of Inspection under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) or the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA); or to operate as a State-inspected facility that is compliant with FMIA or PPIA under a respective Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program.
The MPIRG focuses on:
- Improving meat and poultry slaughter and processing capacity and efficiency;
- Developing new and expanding existing markets;
- Increasing capacity and better meeting consumer and producer demand;
- Maintaining strong inspection and food safety standards;
- Obtaining a larger commercial presence; and
- Increasing access to slaughter/processing facilities for smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged producers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities.

Why would you want a Federal Grant of Inspection?
Obtaining a Federal Grant of Inspection affords you the ability to:
- Sell your products through wholesale channels
- Sell your products across state lines
- Avoid the legal hassle of keeping your operation within an FSIS inspection exemption.

On the other hand, acquiring and maintaining a Federal Grant of Inspection comes with significant regulations and responsibilities. If the trade-off is worth it for your operation, MPIRG is a great opportunity to get a grant to help with that conversion.

Eligible Facilities
To be eligible for a grant, a meat or poultry slaughter or processing facility shall be-- 
1. in operation as of the date on which the facility submits to an application for the grant; and 
2. seeking- 
    a. to obtain a Federal grant of inspection. or 
    b. to be eligible for inspection under a cooperative interstate shipment program (CIS) in a State that participates in that program. 
Eligible Activities
A facility that receives a grant may use the grant amount for the below activities as long as the activities contribute to meeting the requirements of obtaining a Federal Grant of Inspection.
1. the modernization or expansion of existing facilities; 
2. the modernization of equipment;
3. compliance with packaging and labeling requirements under applicable law; 
4. compliance with safety requirements under applicable law
5. the development of processes to ensure food safety; and
6. such other purposes as the AMS determines to be appropriate.

Ambrook Note: 
- You are likely an eligible 'operating processing facility' if you slaughter animals on your farm for any business purpose. Even if you have never known it, you are likely operating under an FSIS inspection exemption.

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

- 2022 MPIRG Request for Applications (RFA) (pdf)
- Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance
- AMS NEPA Attestation Form (pdf)
- Grant Opportunities Fact Sheet: Funding expanded market channels for animal production and livestock products (pdf)
- Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant Webinar Video
- Project Narrative (docx)
- Do you qualify for the MPIRG Grant? (pdf)
- FSIS Guidance on the requirements for Federal inspection
- FSIS Exemptions Brochure

This funding opportunity does not have a Federal cost-sharing or matching requirement for fiscal year 2022. Such information should not be included in the FY2022 submitted application. However, there may be a $1:$1 matching requirement for subsequent MPIRG fiscal years.

All MPPEP applications must be filed through www.Grants.gov.
Please review the Application Checklist to ensure a complete MPPEP application is filed. Please review the following documents referenced in the application checklist:
- Application Template
- Environmental Checklist
- Feasibility Study Guide
All applicant entities must have a current and active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to file an MPPEP application. Register for SAM here.

MPEPP Question Portal

The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) provides grants to help eligible processors expand their capacity. USDA Rural Development designed the MPPEP to encourage competition and sustainable growth in the U.S. meat processing sector, and to help improve supply chain resiliency.



Eligible Producers
Sole proprietor businesses or other entities that engage – or want to engage – in meat and poultry processing.
Eligible Projects
Grant funds can be used to expand processing capacity by supporting activities such as:
- Building new – or modernizing or expanding existing – processing facilities
- Developing, installing, or modernizing equipment and technology
- Ensuring compliance with packaging and labeling requirements
- Upholding occupational and other safety requirements
- Modifying facilities or equipment to protect food safety
- Paying for voluntary grading services on value-added processed products
- Offsetting costs associated with becoming an inspected facility
- Supporting workforce recruitment, training, and retention


- Applicant Self-Screening Tool 
- Grants.gov link to Request for Applications

The maximum award amount is $25 million, or 20 percent of total project costs, whichever is less. There is no minimum award amount.
Eligible applicants must also do the following:
- Process – or plan to process – one or more species subject to the Federal Meat Inspection Act, or the Poultry Product Inspection Act.
- Have – or plan to get – a Federal Grant of Inspection through USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, a Grant of Inspection under the Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program, or a federal equivalent Tribal or state-based meat and poultry inspection program 
- Comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and all other applicable state, local or Tribal laws.

Carefully read the full Request for Proposals (PDF) for eligibility and requirements; then apply online.
If you need this information in an alternative format, please contact the program administrator.

Eric Nooker

The AGRI Meat, Poultry, Egg, and Milk Processing Grant offers designated grants to facilitate the start-up, modernization, or expansion of meat, poultry, egg, and milk processing businesses. The intent of the program is to increase sales of Minnesota-raised livestock products by investing in equipment and physical improvements that support processing, capacity, market diversification, and market access.



Individuals, farmers, businesses, agricultural cooperatives, non-profits, educational institutions, local governments, and Tribal Governments are eligible to apply.
You must explain how your project will increase the sales of Minnesota-raised livestock products and/or increase market access. This program aims to fund projects that impact many farmers.
MDA will prioritize projects that create additional meat/poultry slaughter capacity in addition to projects that increase access to Kosher/Halal markets.

Eggs

Dairy

Dried Eggs

Frozen Eggs

Liquid Eggs

Shell Eggs

Butter

Cheese

Milk

Yogurt

Cow Milk

Goat Milk

Events

Certification

Distribution

Diversification

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Certified Organic

Marketing

MDA expect to award up to $1.4 million in Fiscal Year 2023. The minimum award is $1,000 and the maximum award is $150,000.
This grant requires a cash match. For the match:
- You are responsible for 50% of the first $50,000 to receive up to a $25,000 reimbursement.
- For costs after the first $50,000, you are responsible for 75% of the total remaining cost to receive 25% reimbursement, up to a maximum grant award of $150,000.

Eligible producers can apply for SMHPP by working directly with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) office at their local USDA Service Center at the contact information above. Applications will be accepted via mail, fax, hand delivery, or electronic means.
In addition to the below forms, your FSA office will ask for supporting documentation to substantiate the number of hogs reported on the application. Examples of supporting documentation that may be requested include negotiated sale agreement, veterinarian records, feeding records, inventory records, rendering receipts, purchase receipts, and other records determined acceptable by FSA.
Alternatively, producers with an eAuthentication account may apply for SMHPP via FSA's SMHPP Application Portal. Applications will be completed, electronically signed, and submitted directly to your local USDA Service Center through this online system. Producers interested in creating an eAuthentication account should visit farmers.gov/sign-in to learn more.
A Spanish FSA-940 and instructions are also available.


Do you raise hogs that were&#x2004;sold through a negotiated, or negotiated formula, sale? You may be eligible for assistance for hogs sold through a negotiated sale from April 16, 2020, through September 1, 2020, through USDA’s Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP). This new program is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. 

The USDA defines a "Negotiated Sale" or "Negotiated Formula Sale" to mean **a sale of hogs by a producer to a packer under which the base price for the hogs is determined by seller-buyer interaction and agreement on a delivery day**.



Do you raise hogs that were sold through a negotiated, or negotiated formula, sale? You may be eligible for assistance for hogs sold through a negotiated sale from April 16, 2020, through September 1, 2020, through USDA’s Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP). This new program is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. 
The USDA defines a "Negotiated Sale" or "Negotiated Formula Sale" to mean a sale of hogs by a producer to a packer under which the base price for the hogs is determined by seller-buyer interaction and agreement on a delivery day.

To be eligible for SMHPP, an applicant must:
- Be a person or legal entity who has ownership in the hogs and whose production facilities are located in the United States, including U.S. territories. Please note that contract producers; federal, state, and local governments, including public schools; packers; and producers for hog purchases through all other purchase types are not eligible for SMHPP. Ineligible purchasing types may include other market formula, swine or pork market formula, other purchase arrangements, and packer owned.
- Have an average adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $900,000 for tax years 2016, 2017, and 2018.
- Comply with provisions of the “Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation” regulations, often called the conservation compliance provisions. 
- Not have a controlled substance violation.
- Be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien.

- Frequently Asked Questions
- Notice of Funds Availability: Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program 
- Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program Fact Sheet
- Stakeholder Toolkit: Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
- USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative  
- News Release: USDA Provides Additional Pandemic Assistance to Hog Producers (December 13, 2021)
- SMHPP Application Portal User Guide

USDA will calculate SMHPP payments by multiplying the number of head of eligible hogs, not to exceed 10,000 head, by the payment rate of $54 per head. You may use the following equation for this calculation:
Expected SMHPP Payment = # Eligible Hogs Sold from April 16, 2020 through September 1, 2020 x $54
There is no per person or legal entity payment limitation on SMHPP payments. FSA will issue payments not to exceed 10,000 head per producer to eligible hog producers as applications are received and approved. 

View the application questions and complete your application online at this portal.

The Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) is an incentive program that supports Governor Lee’s priority of job creation and economic development by facilitating agricultural development in Tennessee. It is administered by the Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the Department of Economic and Community Development.

The AEF awards grants to starting or expanding agricultural, food, and forestry businesses; nonprofits, local governments, and other entities in Tennessee, or those whose project will be located in Tennessee. The program focuses on value-added&#x2004;and processing projects that benefit other producers or forest landowners. **Farming projects such as livestock, row crop, or horticulture production expansions will not be competitive, but may be supported through the [Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP)](https://ambrook.com/funding/tennessee-agricultural-enhancement-program).**

Successful grant recipients must demonstrate a strong potential for impact on local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity or agricultural innovation. Priority will be given to businesses located in at-risk counties, distressed counties, and counties adjoining at-risk or distressed counties, and the AEF selection process is competitive.



The Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) is an incentive program that supports Governor Lee’s priority of job creation and economic development by facilitating agricultural development in Tennessee. It is administered by the Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the Department of Economic and Community Development.
The AEF awards grants to starting or expanding agricultural, food, and forestry businesses; nonprofits, local governments, and other entities in Tennessee, or those whose project will be located in Tennessee. The program focuses on value-added and processing projects that benefit other producers or forest landowners. Farming projects such as livestock, row crop, or horticulture production expansions will not be competitive, but may be supported through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP).
Successful grant recipients must demonstrate a strong potential for impact on local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity or agricultural innovation. Priority will be given to businesses located in at-risk counties, distressed counties, and counties adjoining at-risk or distressed counties, and the AEF selection process is competitive.

Applicant Requirements
- Applicants must be a Tennessee entity (i.e. agriculture, food, or forestry business, farmer, local government, or nonprofit in Tennessee) or have a project based in Tennessee.
- Applicants must demonstrate that their project will increase farm income for local farmers, enhance access to agricultural markets, increase capacity of their business, or contribute to the agriculture industry through innovation.
- Applicants must be making an investment into the project. AEF funds may not be more than 25% of the project’s total budget.
- Applicants must submit project updates to measure impact of the grant on the applicant as well as the local economy, and agree to work with the Department of Agriculture to track success of the project.
- Applicants may not submit proposals that will result in relocation of a facility from one place in Tennessee to another.
- Applicants must purchase at least 25% of any agricultural inputs from Tennessee producers. This requirement may be relaxed when compliance would be impracticable – i.e. in times of drought, disease, etc.
Project Requirements
Projects funded by the Agricultural Enterprise Fund must match the description of at least one of the following four categories. Many projects will potentially match the description of more than one category and applicants should indicate so on their application.
- Increase in Farm Income - This category includes projects that will increase farm income by offering farmers higher commodity prices than other markets, processing value-added products for farmers, or allowing a single farmer to add value to their own farm products.
- Increased Access to Markets - This category includes projects that will create or expand a market for Tennessee farmers or forest landowners, including reducing miles that farmers must transport their products to market or creating a new market entirely. 
- Increased Capacity - This category includes projects that will expand the capacity of an existing agricultural, food, or forestry business, including their production or processing capacity or the number of employees.
- Agricultural Innovation - This category is appropriate for entrepreneurs who wish to market a new technological innovation with the potential to impact Tennessee agriculture or the forestry industry by creating efficiencies in production, reducing costs, etc.

- Application Scoring
- Metrics
- Frequently Asked Questions

List of Agricultural Funding for Meat Processing