Wisconsin Ag Connection - Grants to Help Dairy Processors Innovate, Expand

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Grants to Help Dairy Processors Innovate, Expand
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 05/01/2008

Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen announced $300,000 in grant funds are now available to help dairy processors create and sell more products. The first cycle of the Value Added Dairy Initiative Dairy Processor Grant program began in April. 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," Nilsestuen says. "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.

For more information, call 608-224-5081.

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