DATCP invites Wisconsin dairy processors to apply for dairy processor grants through Jan. 7. These grants aim to foster innovation, improve profitability and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing facilities.
Eligible applicants must operate a licensed dairy processing plant in Wisconsin that is engaged in pasteurizing, processing, or manufacturing milk or dairy products. Projects must increase harvest capacity or production. 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.
“Through these investments, we will continue to invest in industry innovation, bolster our economy, and support Wisconsin dairy farmers and producers, all while strengthening the future of Wisconsin dairy,” says Gov. Tony Evers.
Since this program began in 2014, demands for grants have outpaced available funding, explains DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski.
“Our dairy processors here in America’s Dairyland have a healthy appetite to modernize and innovate,” he adds. “Governor Evers recognized this, and in the biennial budget, doubled the funding for the dairy processor grants from $200,000 to $400,000 annually.”
Grants will be awarded for projects up to $50,000 and two years in duration. Processors are required to provide a match of 20 percent of the grant amount. Recipients will be chosen through a competitive selection process.
See the grant application: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Growing_WI/DairyDevelopment.aspx
Applications are due to DATCP Grants Manager Ryan Dunn at [email protected] by 5 p.m. Jan. 7. Grant recipients will be announced in February.
In 2021, 15 companies received a total of $200,000 in grants. Since its inception in 2014, DATCP has received 118 grant proposals requesting more than $4.57 million. DATCP has funded 66 of those proposals totaling $1.3 million.
