The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has awarded $1 million in producer-led watershed protection grants (PLWPG) to 47 farmer-led groups for 2023. Grants support producer-led conservation solutions by encouraging innovation and farmer participation in on-the-ground efforts to improve Wisconsin's soil health and water quality.
“Across the state, producer-led groups are doing tremendous work caring and advocating for our state's land and water resources, and those efforts continue to grow year after year," said Gov. Evers. “This program supports farmers who aim to engage with their communities in a variety of conservation initiatives."
This is the ninth round of grant awards since funding was first made available in the 2015-17 biennial budget. Annual interest in DATCP's PLWPG program continues to exceed the program budget. This funding cycle received the highest amount of requests in the history of the program, with 47 groups applying for a total funding request of almost $1.6 million. This year's grant cycle funding will support four new groups while helping veteran groups continue to advance their work.
“The Horse Creek Farmer-Led Watershed was one of the first two farmer-led watershed efforts funded by DATCP. Over the course of the almost 10 years since we started, it has been very rewarding watching the acceptance of conservation practices by farmers grow in the watershed," said Timm Johnson, member of the Horse Creek Farmer-Led Watershed Council. “The model is that farmers learn best from other farmers by watching, talking with, and adopting the best management practices."
A map of recipients can be found on DATCP's website.
Click here to read more datcp.wi.gov
Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle