DATCP Releases Funds for Meat Processing Grant Program

Gov. Tony Evers' office announced the release of funds in support of the meat processing grant program.

The legislature approved $200,000 for the grant program to help processors expand and modernize their facilities and operation to keep pace with the supply chain.

"Wisconsin processors are having challenges addressing the growing demand for their services without expanding or modernizing facilities, and there's a lot of need out there to expand processing facilities," said State Ag Secretary Randy Romanski. "We are hopeful that this funding can address some of the demand, but there is still more work to do. Ongoing funding is needed to keep the industry moving, and there is also a need to address talent development in the meat processing industry."

DATCP consulted with stakeholders to identify the best opportunity to make sure that the funding can be used to increase capacity and reduce the backlog in the supply chain. It will allow meat processing facilities of all sizes to apply for these dollars.

The agency will award grants to meat processing facilities of up to $50,000. The department plans to release a request for proposal in the coming days.