By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is now accepting applications for the 2025 round of Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin (BLBW) Grants.
Applications are due by noon on Monday, September 15, 2025. In total, DATCP will award up to $200,000 through this program.
The BLBW grant program aims to boost Wisconsin's agricultural economy by supporting farms and food-related businesses in processing, marketing, and distributing local food products more effectively.
The initiative helps bring more Wisconsin-grown items such as organic vegetables, specialty grains, hops, hazelnuts, and other value-added products to consumers across the state.
Eligible applicants include individuals, groups, or businesses engaged in agriculture production, food processing, warehousing, distribution, retail food, or agritourism within Wisconsin.
Projects funded through this grant must demonstrate increased local food sales, job creation or retention, and new investments.
Grants will range from $5,000 to $50,000, with each project eligible for funding over a period of up to three years. Expenses covered may include staff compensation, consultant fees, materials, and supplies. A one-to-one match either in cash or in-kind contributions is required, covering at least 50% of the total project budget.
All applications will be evaluated through a competitive review process. Selected projects may begin their work as early as December 2025. Application materials and further details are available on DATCP’s website: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/BuyLocalBuyWisconsinGrants.aspx.
Since its start in 2008, the BLBW program has supported 128 projects with over $3.22 million in grants, resulting in more than $14.7 million in new local food sales and the creation or retention of over 540 jobs.
For questions, contact DATCP grants specialist Brian Williams at DATCPdadgrants@Wisconsin.gov.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Government & Policy