The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced seven companies will receive a Dairy Processor Grant. The purpose of these grants is to help foster innovation, improve profitability, and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing facilities.
See the recipients and their planned projects:
- Alpinage Cheese, LLC: Hire and train a full-time staff leader to launch and manage new facility.
- Organic Valley: Streamline processes and gain efficiencies at CROPP Cooperative’s conversion and labeling facility.
- Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, LLC: Expand burrata production.
- Family Fresh Pack, LLC: Expand spreads line.
- Hidden Springs Creamery, LLC: Scale up to meet new wholesale business.
- Marieke Marketing etc., LLC: Right-size and upgrade packaging and shipping operations to meet growing packaged cheese demand.
- Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, Inc: Plan expansion.
Next Application Round Open
Wisconsin dairy processors are encouraged to apply for the next round of Dairy Processor Grants open now through Jan. 17.
A total of $200,000 is available for this round of Dairy Processor Grants, as part of the biennial budget signed by Gov. Tony Evers. Eligible applicants must operate a licensed dairy processing plant in Wisconsin that is engaged in pasteurizing, processing, or manufacturing milk or dairy products. Funding from these grants can be used to address a wide range of dairy business needs such as food safety, staff training, plant expansion or modernization, and professional consulting services.
“Processors are part of the reason that Wisconsin is known as a leader in dairy,” says DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “This grant investment supports Wisconsin’s dairy processors as they stay at the forefront of emerging technologies, sustainability, and growth.”
Grants will be awarded for projects up to $50,000 and two years long. Processors must provide a match of 20 percent of the grant amount. Recipients will be chosen through a competitive selection process.
Learn more: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/AgDevelopment/DairyProcessorGrants.aspx
