Successfully Applying to Agricultural Grant Programs

Farmers and food entrepreneurs are invited to a workshop put on by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to give farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs information, tools and hands-on training to strengthen grant and loan applications. This workshop will help participants identify which grants or other financial options might be right for them.

Specific grant programs to be covered include:

• USDA’s Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program provides planning and working capital funds to farmers and farmer-based enterprises to develop and implement value-added ventures.

•USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grant program funds research, marketing and demonstration projects.

• USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program funds endeavors that enhance the competitiveness of Wisconsin Specialty Crops.

• Wisconsin DATCP’s Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grant program funds projects that increase the demand for and supply of locally produced foods in Wisconsin.

Workshops are being held throughout Wisconsin by region. The workshop for Eastern/Central Wisconsin is scheduled for Oct. 3, 9 am to 4 pm at James P. Coughlin Center, 625 E. County Road Y, Oshkosh.

To register, contact Winnebago County University of Wisconsin -Extension Office at 920.232.1970 or 920.727.8643. A $15 registration fee covers the cost of lunch and materials.