Mppep - wild-caught catfish

The Department of Agriculture Rural Business Cooperative Services awarded $1 million to Chippin, Inc. on February 3, 2026 under the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (CFDA 10.381), a Project Grant to expand wild-caught catfish processing capacity.

The Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program provides grants to meat and poultry processors for facility start-up and expansion, with eligible activities including construction or modernization of processing facilities, equipment acquisition and installation, automation improvements, climate-smart equipment deployment, food safety and occupational safety upgrades, workforce training and recruitment, and costs associated with obtaining inspection certification. The program targets expansion of processing capacity to increase producer options and market access.

Chippin, Inc., located in Illinois, will perform the work with a period of performance from February 3, 2026 through February 3, 2028. The obligated amount is $1 million. Projects must be completed within 48 months from the award date. Recipients must use grant funds to expand processing capacity for their market and comply with applicable federal, state, or tribal meat and poultry inspection standards. Records retention must comply with 2 CFR 200.334.