DATCP opens Wisconsin dairy processor grant applications

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) invites Wisconsin dairy processors to apply for dairy processor grants through Oct. 13. These grants aim to foster innovation, improve profitability, and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing facilities.

A total of $500,000 is available for this year’s dairy processor grants as part of Gov. Tony Evers’ biennial budget. 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.

Grants will be awarded for projects up to $75,000 and two years in duration. Processors are required to provide a match of 20% of the grant amount. Recipients will be chosen through a competitive selection process.

The grant application is available online.

Applications can be emailed to DATCP Grants Manager Brian Williams by 5 p.m. on Oct. 13. Grant recipients are expected to be announced in early 2024.

Since 2014, DATCP has received 199 dairy processor grant proposals requesting more than $7.8 million. DATCP has funded 106 of those proposals, totaling $2.1 million.