The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture announced that 13 projects have been selected to receive more than $560,000 in Export Expansion Grants. The funding aims to accelerate the growth of Wisconsin dairy, meat, and crop products and are funded through the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports.
"DATCP is excited to help create exporting opportunities and resources for Wisconsin agribusinesses through Export Expansion Grants," said State Agriculture Secretary Randy Romanski. "These grant projects will help Wisconsin businesses engage in trade opportunities and facilitate valuable connections between buyers and sellers."
Projects could request grant funds for up to two years in duration, with an option to request an additional year. Matching funds are required at 20 percent of the grant award and can be cash or in-kind. Selected projects and work will begin this summer.
The grant recipients and their projects are: Center for Dairy Research, Madison; Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Madison; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison; University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls; Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Madison; Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association, Beloit; Wisconsin Beef Council, Verona; Wisconsin Holstein Association, Baraboo; Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, Marathon; Sustainable Resources Institute, Florence; Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Antigo; Cooperative Network, Madison; and World Dairy Expo, Madison.
The agency says Wisconsin agricultural exports reached an all-time high of $3.96 billion in 2021. Through the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports, DATCP is working collaboratively with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to build on that momentum by promoting Wisconsin agricultural products in the international marketplace.
Categories: Wisconsin, Business