Assistance Listings

Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program

Objectives

This program will provide funds to Tribal governments as defined by the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act (List Act) of 1994 (Pub. L. No. 103-454), their wholly owned arms and instrumentalities, or joint or multi tribal government entities. These funds will address needs for local animal protein processing capacity in Tribal communities and indigenous foods supply chains.

Examples of Funded Projects

Assistance Listing Description

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Not applicable.

Accomplishments

Account Identification

12-0408-1-2-605

Types of Assistance

B - Project Grants

Credentials and Documentation

Applicant Eligibility

Beneficiary Eligibility

Tribal governments as defined by the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act (List Act) of 1994 (Pub. L. No. 103-454), their wholly owned arms and instrumentalities, and joint or multi tribal government are eligible to apply. Processing businesses owned by non-Tribal-governmental entities, including individual Tribal members, are not eligible for this program.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Length of time of the assistance in the request for applications. Funds are advanced or reimbursed. Applicants have up to 3 calendar years to use the funds. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: lump sum

Use of Assistance

The primary purpose of all projects must be to expand or enhance indigenous animals and meat processing capacity in Indian country. Projects can also include other activities as described in the list below. In the project narrative, applicants must describe how the proposed activities will increase animal protein processing capacity, enhance food safety and cleanliness, and increase Tribal food security with a focus on fair and equitable community food distribution. Additionally, the application must include the design and the plan to maintain the long-term viability of the animal processing operation. Applicants should demonstrate a connection to developing adequate animal protein processing infrastructure in a location where such infrastructure is currently inadequate for indigenous species or Tribal community food security. Eligible activities will demonstrate the ability to improve harvesting, processing, and packaging to create a more resilient, diverse, and secure indigenous food systems. Wholistic applications may also include manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, community accessibility, or food (protein) distribution. Applications must include indigenous animals and meat processing activities such as those listed below which clearly demonstrate the ability to expand or enhance protein processing capacity in Indian country. Eligible activities include: 1) Build, expand, or upgrade community indigenous meat, food-sovereignty harvesting/processing facilities (fixed or mobile); 2) Purchase and modernization of an inoperable or outdated processing facility; 3) Enhance infrastructure to improve humane handling and humane slaughter; 4) Purchase and install traditional implements and equipment necessary, with modifications as appropriate, for indigenous slaughter and processing methods' 5) Expand processing capacities to add species or increase volume; 6) Purchase or upgrade mobile harvest and/or processing units and supporting equipment 7) Purchase or upgrade processing and manufacturing equipment (including cutting equipment, mixers, grinders, breaders, sausage stuffers, smokers, curing equipment, pipes, motors, pumps, and valves); 8) Purchase or upgrade cold storage to support the protein processing facilities; 9) Construction of holding pens; 10) Construction of wastewater management structures. See RFA for additional information.Grant funds cannot be used for: 1) Purchase or lease land; 2) Pay for technical assistance; 3) Cover project planning or feasibility study expenses; 4) Duplicate activities of a project that has received a Federal award from another Federal award program; 5) Claim expenses that have been or will be reimbursed under any Federal, State, or local government funding.Discretionary funds will be distributed as described in the request for applications.

Deadlines

Preapplication Coordination

Preapplication coordination is required. An environmental impact assessment is required for this listing. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedures

2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program.

Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for this listing will be posted on Grants.gov (opens in new window) (opens in new window).

USDA RD only accepts electronic applications which are submitted as specified in the RFA.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Applicants will be reviewed and scored against identified scoring criteria through panel review for high-quality proposals.

Award Procedure

RD outlines the application requirements and merit review process in each grant program’s RFA. Applicants are required to use the RFA to apply for grant funds. After the application deadline has passed, applications will be reviewed and scored against criteria through panel review for high-quality proposals described in the RFA.

Date Range for Approval/Disapproval

From 30 to 60 days.

Renewals

> 180 Days. There is a one-year no-cost extension for awardees if needed.

Appeals

From 15 to 30 days. If an application is not selected for funding, the Applicant will be notified in writing via postal or electronic mail and informed of any review and appeal rights. Funding of successfully appealed applications will be limited to available funding.

Policy Requirements

Reports

Audits

Records

Recipients must retain all records (including financial) relating to grant for a period of three years after the final Federal Financial Report (SF – 425) is received by RD or until final resolution of any audit findings or litigation claims relating to this program, pursuant to 2 CFR 200.334.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

Not Applicable.

Formula and Matching Requirements

Regional or Local Locations:

Headquarters Office: