Release Date: February 6, 2019
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Media Contact: Rick Hummell, Senior Communications
Specialist
608-224-5041 richard.hummell@wi.gov
MADISON – Farmers and businesses
involved in Wisconsin’s food industry who are seeking to grow their local
markets are encouraged to apply for 2019 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin producer and
processor grants.
Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and
Consumer Protection (DATCP), the grants can help farms and business more
efficiently produce, process, market and distribute food in local markets
including stores, schools and institutions.
“These grants fund
innovative ideas that help producers and other local food businesses become
more successful at selling their local products around Wisconsin,” said BLBW
program manager Kietra Olson. “We encourage growers and processors with
projects that help expand Wisconsin’s food system to apply for the grants.
Projects must clearly demonstrate a need, show creativity, and help grow the
food industry.”
Proposals must be received by DATCP by noon, March 20, 2019.
Each proposal must include a cover page, a completed budget template and
project description. Necessary documents are available online at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/BuyLocalBuyWisconsinGrants.aspx.
Grants will be awarded following a competitive review process. The target date
for grant award notification is April 2019.
A total of $170,000 is available in grant funding; the maximum
award for each project is $50,000. Grant applicants must provide a cash or in-kind
match of at least 50 percent of the total project budget. Grants may not be
used to fund feasibility projects or startups.
Qualified applicants include individuals, groups or businesses
involved in Wisconsin production agriculture, food processing, food
distribution, food warehousing, retail food establishments or agricultural
tourism operations. Proposals could include collaborations or partnerships.
Since its inception in 2008, the program has funded 58
projects, totaling more than $1.6 million. Previous grant recipients have
generated nearly $10 million in new local food sales, created and retained 211
jobs, and benefitted more than 2,700 producers and 2,900 markets.
Anyone with questions about the application process can contact
BLBW program manager Kietra Olson at 608-224-5112 or Kietra.Olson@Wisconsin.gov.
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