The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), is now inviting Wisconsin dairy processors to apply for Dairy Processor Grants. The grants are intended to foster innovation, improve profitability and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing facilities.
“The demand for quality Wisconsin dairy products continues to grow around the world,” said Kathy Schmitt, director of DATCP’s Agriculture and Food Center. “To meet the demand, dairy processors need to be innovative, efficient and adaptable. They need to be able to meet a number of regulatory requirements. These grants are designed to help them do so.”
The Dairy Processor Grant can be customized for each processor and can be used to hire consultants to address a wide range of business needs including food safety, staff training or modernization.
Eligible applicants must operate a licensed dairy processing plant located in Wisconsin which is engaged in pasteurizing, processing or manufacturing milk or dairy products. Recipients will be chosen through a competitive selection process. A total grant up to $50,000 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.
DATCP is accepting proposals through April 13, 2018.
Application materials can be accessed; at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Growing_WI/DairyDevelopment.aspx
For questions about the DATCP Dairy Processor Grants contact, Juli Speck at 608-224-5134 or [email protected].
