Wisconsin Awards Dairy Processor Grants
Source: The DairyNews
In a significant move to support Wisconsin's dairy industry, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has unveiled the recipients of the Dairy Processor Grants, with 15 dairy companies set to benefit from the initiative.
The grants, aimed at fostering innovation, improving profitability, and ensuring the long-term viability of dairy processing facilities in the state, have been welcomed by Governor Evers. He emphasized the crucial role played by Wisconsin's dairy processors in the state's economy, culture, and heritage. The governor expressed pride in supporting increases for these grants, underscoring their importance in modernizing operations and strengthening the dairy supply chain.
The 2023-25 budget, signed by Governor Evers, allocated an additional $300,000 annually for the Dairy Processor Grant Program. This brought the total funding for this year's awards to $500,000, with each project eligible for a maximum grant of $75,000. Grant recipients are required to match at least 20% of the grant amount. The high demand for these grants is evident, with DATCP receiving 36 grant requests totaling over $2.2 million.
DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski acknowledged the unwavering support from Governor Evers and the legislature for funding the grant program, highlighting its role in maintaining Wisconsin's reputation as America's Dairyland. Romanski noted that Wisconsin's processors are integral to the dairy supply chain, and the program has consistently received high demand. This year was no exception, with grant requests exceeding four times the available funding.
The Dairy Processor Grant recipients and their planned projects cover a diverse range, from expanding product lines and enhancing employee skills to evolving from commodity cheese to specialty cheese production. Some projects focus on employee training and development, food and employee safety, and even redesigning facilities for a sustainable future.
Since the inception of the program in 2014, DATCP has received 235 Dairy Processor Grant proposals, totaling over $9.2 million in requests. Out of these, 121 proposals, amounting to $2.5 million, have been funded. The grants have proven instrumental in supporting the growth and innovation of Wisconsin's dairy processing industry.
For more detailed information on the Dairy Processor Grants, interested parties can visit DATCP's website.
The 2023-25 budget, signed by Governor Evers, allocated an additional $300,000 annually for the Dairy Processor Grant Program. This brought the total funding for this year's awards to $500,000, with each project eligible for a maximum grant of $75,000. Grant recipients are required to match at least 20% of the grant amount. The high demand for these grants is evident, with DATCP receiving 36 grant requests totaling over $2.2 million.
DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski acknowledged the unwavering support from Governor Evers and the legislature for funding the grant program, highlighting its role in maintaining Wisconsin's reputation as America's Dairyland. Romanski noted that Wisconsin's processors are integral to the dairy supply chain, and the program has consistently received high demand. This year was no exception, with grant requests exceeding four times the available funding.
The Dairy Processor Grant recipients and their planned projects cover a diverse range, from expanding product lines and enhancing employee skills to evolving from commodity cheese to specialty cheese production. Some projects focus on employee training and development, food and employee safety, and even redesigning facilities for a sustainable future.
Since the inception of the program in 2014, DATCP has received 235 Dairy Processor Grant proposals, totaling over $9.2 million in requests. Out of these, 121 proposals, amounting to $2.5 million, have been funded. The grants have proven instrumental in supporting the growth and innovation of Wisconsin's dairy processing industry.
For more detailed information on the Dairy Processor Grants, interested parties can visit DATCP's website.
