$300,000 in Grant Funds to Help Dairy Processors

It was recently announced that $300,000 in grant funds is available over the next year to help dairy processors create and sell more products. The first cycle of the Value Added Dairy Initiative Dairy Processor Grant program began April 1 and applications are due May 30.

“The quality and reputation of Wisconsin’s dairy sector make it natural for dairy processors to compete at the high end,” said Secretary Nilsestuen, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “These grants are part of the Grow Wisconsin plan to help companies capture the high-end market.”

Anyone involved with dairy products processing, including cheese companies, milk bottlers, artisan and farmstead operations, or yogurt makers, is eligible to apply. The maximum grant award is $35,000.

The grants are for individuals or groups, businesses and organizations to help fund projects geared at innovation, market development or modernization of dairy processing.

Eligible project expenses include working capital, marketing expenses, and professional services necessary to implement the project. Grants cannot be used to buy land, buildings, or equipment; pay indirect administrative overhead costs; paying off existing debt; lobbying, or tuition costs.

Applications must be received at the WI DATCP office by 4:30 pm on the deadline due. Email submissions are preferred; but mailed, faxed and hand-delivered applications are acceptable. Details on the request for grant proposals and application materials are available at http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/business/marketing/val-add/initiative or by calling Matt Lange at 608.224.5081.