Producers First
Accepting applications from Wisconsin local food producers until April 25, 2012.
What does Producers First offer?
Producers First provides one-on-one technical assistance for Wisconsin food producers from a consultant of their choosing.
The goal of Producers First is to expand Wisconsin’s local foods markets by building producer capacity. To learn more about the impact of Producers First, download the 2010 Report (PDF).
Could I apply?
Any Wisconsin farmer or producer may apply for Producers First. Producers for local markets are encouraged to apply.
What kind of assistance is available?
Examples of technical assistance provided by Producers First include but are not limited to: accounting and financial organization, business planning, food safety, grant writing assistance, legal services, market development, packaging and label development, whole farm planning, etc.
Producers First will pay up to $3,000 to a consultant for providing this assistance. A matching payment of at least 10% is required from producers.
Who will provide this assistance?
The applicant will identify someone with the experience and expertise they need to provide the assistance. DATCP provides the following database of consultants that have expressed interest in working with producers to provide technical assistance. DATCP in no way endorses any individual on the list, nor does DATCP provide any guarantee that consultants listed are qualified to provide the services listed. Full responsibility rests with the producer to verify that a consultant is capable of providing the technical assistance he or she seeks. Consultants wishing to be included on the list should contact Keefe Keeley at
datcpproducersfirst@wisconsin.gov.
Consultant Database - Excel spreadsheet
If you are in need of assistance but are not producing for local markets, please contact the the Wisconsin Farm Center here or use other DATCP resources here.
How can I apply for Producers First?
To apply, you must first complete the short Producers First Web Questionnaire. DATCP staff will review submitted questionnaires, and if you meet the eligibility requirements, you will be invited to submit a three-page application and one-page consultant form. Questionnaires are reviewed on a rolling basis, and you should hear back within a month.
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