USDA's Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity Technical Assistance Program (MPPTA)
What does the MPPTA Offer?
Access to technical experts from across industry, academia and state and federal government.
Focused content for diverse stakeholders, including family-owned, rural, minority-owned, Native American and Tribal-owned businesses, and other underserved entities seeking to build or expand meat and poultry processing and supply chain capacity.
General assistance with navigating USDA grant application and award processes, and successful post-award grant management
One-one-one advising, including project and proposal reviews tailored to the specific needs of diverse stakeholders, from small and very small processors and new enterprise startups to organizations developing regional concepts and established mid-sized processing companies.
Educational resources, events, and webinars covering topics of interest for meat and poultry processing enterprises of all types.
Note: The MPPTA Program does not offer or provide contractor services or financial capital. It does not offer grant writing or project management services, nor does the voluntary use of MPPTA guarantee the success of a grant application or the grant-funded project.
In March 2022, AMS identified the following organizations to serve as TA Providers:
Oregon State University- Niche Meat Processors Assistance Network
Intertribal Agriculture Council
American Association of Meat Processors
American Meat Science Association
Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
Field Crops
Dairy
Business
Livestock
Grains
Upcoming Events
Planning For Immigration Enforcement At Your Farm
May 20, 2025
Ramped-up immigration enforcement is spreading fear and resulting in family and workforce disruptions across the farm landscape. Farms and employees should take action by making a plan for what to do in case of an immigration enforcement action at your farm. Planning is critical to avoid the worst outcomes. Learn about available resources and hear from the experience of crisis support leaders!
Chainsaw Safety & Forestry BMP's
June 13, 2025
Belmont, NY
Perfect for beginners or experienced users needing a refresher. We'll cover safety features and basic maintenance of the modern saw and learn kickback prevention techniques. Participants will be able to try on various PPE and learn ergonomic practices. Interested participants will learn to safely start up, throttle up, and turn off a saw. You may bring our own saw if you choose, there will be no cutting in this class.
FAMACHA Workshop at Alfred State College
June 14, 2025 : FAMACHA Workshop at Alfred State College
Alfred, NY
Join Cornell Cooperative Extension for a morning of classroom learning, hands-on FAMACHA and 5 Point Check practice, and a pasture walk at Alfred State College's teaching farm to learn about putting IPM to work on pasture using evasive grazing techniques. An exam will be provided, and students passing the exam will receive program certification, including a FAMACHA Card.