FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2023
Contact: Kevin Hoffman, Public Information Officer, (608) 224-5005, kevin.hoffman@wisconsin.gov
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MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) invites Wisconsin meat processors to apply for meat processor grants through March 17, 2023. The program aims to grow Wisconsin's meat industry and improve the long-term viability of the state's livestock industry.
“There is a strong need out there to modernize, expand, and enhance the capacity of our meat processing infrastructure," said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “The funding included in the Governor's budget can be used to ease some of the supply chain bottlenecks and help our state's already strong meat processing industry increase throughput."
These grants were included in Gov. Tony Evers' 2021-23 biennial budget. Eligible applicants must operate or intend to operate a DATCP or U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licensed meat processing establishment in Wisconsin and be engaged in livestock harvest or processing. Projects must increase harvest capacity or production. Funding from these grants can be used for operating expenses directly related to the grant project, including expenses for engineering, architectural design, construction, food safety consultation, equipment, and equipment installation.
DATCP will award grants for up to $50,000 for projects that are up to two years in duration and help expand capacity or increase throughput. Processors are required to provide a 100% match of the grant amount. Recipients will be chosen through a competitive selection process.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023. Completed applications and questions can be sent to DATCP Grants Manager Ryan Dunn at ryand.dunn@wisconsin.gov. Grant recipients will be announced in May 2023.
A recorded webinar to address frequently asked questions and assist in completing applications can be found at the DATCP website. The grant application and materials are available at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Growing_WI/MeatAndLivestockDevelopment.aspx.
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