Continued on next page

Transportation and Marketing Program

Grant Opportunities

Funding expanded market channels for animal production 

and livestock products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers programs 

that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and 

specialty crops. AMS administers various grant programs authorized by Congress, including three programs 

that expand market channels and opportunities for meat and poultry processing, dairy business 

innovation, and sheep production and marketing.

Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) 

Supports the diversification, marketing and processing of dairy products and regional milk production. 

AMS selects grant recipients (Initiatives) that provide direct technical assistance and fund subawards to 

dairy businesses. The full list of Initiatives is provided at the link below. 

Website: www.ams.usda.gov/dbi

Eligibility: State agencies of agriculture or other state entities, cooperative extension service, institutions 

of higher education, and nonprofit organizations.

Matching funds required: None.
Agricultural Marketing Service

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

July 2021 / www.ams.usda.gov

Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG)

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 operating as a State-inspected facility that is compliant with FMIA or PPIA under a Cooperative 

Interstate Shipment (CIS) program.

Website: www.ams.usda.gov/mpirg

Eligibility: Currently operational meat or poultry slaughter or processing facilities in eligible states and 

territories that are seeking a Federal grant of inspection, would like to participate in the CIS program, or 

those exempt from Federal inspection under the FMIA and PPIA.

Matching funds required: None for fiscal year 2021; $1-for-$1 thereafter.

Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP)

Strengthens and enhances the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the U.S. through

improved infrastructure and business and resource development. In 2019, AMS awarded a 5-year grant for

1.9 million to the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC). Each year, the NSIIC conducts a 

competitive sub-award process, and those interested in funding should apply directly to the NSIIC.

Website: www.ams.usda.gov/spmgp

Eligibility: National entities with a mission consistent with SPMGP’s purpose.

Matching funds required: None.

Additional USDA information

• AMS Grants: www.ams.usda.gov/grants

• AMS Livestock and Poultry Program: www.ams.usda.gov/lp

• AMS Dairy Program: www.ams.usda.gov/dairy

• USDA Resources for Farmers: www.farmers.gov

• Food Safety and Inspection Service: www.fsis.usda.gov

• Local and Regional Food Sector: www.ams.usda.gov/localfood

Contact us 

• AMSGrants@usda.gov

Federal grant and training resources

• www.grants.gov

• www.SAM.gov

• www.cfo.gov/financial-assistance

Photo credits: USDA and Adobe Stock