Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection

Meat Processor Infrastructure Grants

The program aims to grow Wisconsin's meat industry, enhance the state's livestock sector, and improve the long-term viability of meat processors. Funding can only be used for operating expenses directly related to the grant project, including engineering, architectural design, construction, food safety consultation, equipment, and equipment installation. Applicants must be engaged in livestock harvest or processing, operate or intend to operate a licensed meat-processing establishment in Wisconsin, and propose projects that increase harvest capacity or production.

Assistance Type: Grant
Annual/Biennial Funding Amount: The 2023-25 budget signed by Gov. Evers provided a one-time increase of $1.6 million for the Meat Processor Infrastructure Program, bringing the total for this round of grants to $1.8 million.
Application Cycle: The application period for Meat Processor Infrastructure grants closed on March 8, 2024.
Min./Max Award: The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (CP) and the States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers grants of up to $50,000, out of a total funding pool of $200,000, to new or existing processors operating or intending to operate a DATCP or USDA licensed meat-processing establishment in Wisconsin.
Contact and/or Application Link:

Brian Williams, DATCP Grants Manager, datcpdadgrants@wisconsin.gov

Example of Successful Implementation: In 2023, American Hazelnut Co. in Gays Mills, WI received $20,168.

Below attached to the button is the link for more information regarding this program from the DATCP website. Follow this link to learn more.

Program Link

Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grants

Based in Wisconsin and involved in agriculture, food processing, distribution, warehousing, retail food establishments, or agricultural tourism operations.
Projects can receive grant funds for up to three years and must demonstrate a one-to-one match cash or in-kind support, accounting for at least 50 percent of the total budget. Eligible expenses include compensation for personnel, consultant services, materials, and supplies.

Assistance Type: Grant
Annual/Biennial Funding Amount: $300,000 is available in grant funding through the program.
Application Cycle: The application period for Fiscal Year 2025 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grants is open until 11:59 p.m. Central Time on September 9, 2024. Application resources may be found on the program website.
Min./Max Award: The Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grant Program offers grants of up to $50,000, with a total funding pool of $300,000, to help marketing, distribution, and processing challenges and expand sales of Wisconsin food products to local purchasers.
Contact and/or Application Link:

Brian Williams, DATCP Grants Manager, datcpdadgrants@wisconsin.gov

Example of Successful Implementation: In 2022, Blue Moon Community Farm in Stoughton, WI, received $10,000.

Below attached to the button is the link for more information regarding this program from the DATCP website. Follow this link to learn more.

Program Link

Wisconsin Organic Cost Share Program

The Wisconsin Organic Cost Share Program is designed to support certified organic farmers, processors, and distributors in covering the costs associated with organic certification.

To qualify, farms or businesses must be involved in the production, processing, or packaging of certified organic agricultural products and be in Wisconsin. Reimbursement is limited to expenses paid to the certifying agency, including application, certification inspection and user fees. However, late fees, membership fees and penalties are not eligible. Applicants must be located in Wisconsin and currently certified or actively seeking certification through an accredited certifier during the specified time frame.

Assistance Type: Grant
Annual/Biennial Funding Amount: Funding comes from the federal government, and the program is administered through DATCP.
Application Cycle: The dates of the application cycles vary from year to year.
Min./Max Award: Eligible applicants can receive reimbursement of up to $750 per category of certification, covering 75% of certification-related costs.
Contact and/or Application Link:
- Application Link: https://form.jotform.com/231435431816149
- Contact: Andrew Bernhardt

Phone Number: 608-572-0512

Email Address: datcporganiccostshare@wi.gov

Below attached to the button is the link for more information regarding this program from the DATCP website. Follow this link to learn more.

Program Link

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Specialty Crop Block Grants

The Wisconsin Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is available for non-profit organizations, producers, government agencies, universities, and other groups. The program aims to enhance the competitiveness of Wisconsin's specialty crop industries in domestic and foreign markets. Specialty crops, as defined by law, include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture. A more comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops is at the US Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Program website: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/AgDevelopment/SpecialtyCropBlockGrants.aspx

Funds must be used to benefit the entire crop industry and cannot provide direct profit to a specific organization, institution, or individual. Eligible project expenses: compensation for personnel, consultant services, materials, and supplies.  Wisconsin SCBGP funds will be distributed to the specialty crop industry through a competitive review process.

Assistance Type: Grant
Annual/Biennial Funding Amount: Project funding is contingent on funding for the SCBGP being made available by USDA-AMS.
Application Cycle: The dates of the application cycle vary from year to year.
Min./Max Award: Typical projects receive between $10,000 and $100,000 in funding and personnel expenses are included.
Contact and/or Application Link:

Andrew Bernhardt

(608) 572-0512

datcporganiccostshare@wi.gov

Example of Successful Implementation: In 2020, Apiary Outreach in Madison, WI, received $60,775.

Below attached to the button is the link for more information regarding this program from the DATCP website. Follow this link to learn more.

Program Link

Dairy Processor Grants

The Wisconsin Dairy Processor Grant Program is designed to support licensed dairy processing plants in the state. The program aims to:

Increase production, profitability, processing, marketing, or distribution of Wisconsin dairy products.
Increase capital investment in the dairy industry.
Apply new technologies related to dairy production.
Improve the competitiveness of the Wisconsin dairy industry.
Make more efficient use of farmland and other agricultural resources for dairy production.
Create or retain jobs in the dairy industry.
Funding must be used to address dairy business needs such as food safety, staff training, plant expansion or modernization, and professional consulting services.

Ineligible expenses include:

Real estate purchases.
Repayment of loans or mortgages.
Rent or contract payments for time periods extending beyond the term of the grant contract.
Equipment purchases, meaning items that cost more than $5,000 and the full value of which depreciates over more than one year.
Administrative or overhead costs not directly related to the grant project.
Advertising expenses.
Legal fees.
Lobbying, fundraising, or other political activities.
Any costs incurred by any firm for work performed in the preparation of and production of a proposal or for any work performed prior to the formal execution of a contract.

Assistance Type: Grant
Annual/Biennial Funding Amount: $1,000,000 over the biennium ($500,000/year).
Application Cycle: Annually each fall. Recipients will be chosen through a competitive selection process.
Min./Max Award: A total grant up to $75,000 is available per dairy processor per year. The dairy processor is required to provide a match of at least 20 percent of the grant amount.
Contact and/or Application Link: Brian Williams, DATCP Grants Manager, datcpdadgrants@wisconsin.gov

Example of Successful Implementation: In 2021, Agropur Dairy Cooperative in Luxemburg, WI, received $30,800.

Below attached to the button is the link for more information regarding this program from the DATCP website. Follow this link to learn more.

Program Link