By Blake Jackson
Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin announced that six rural businesses in the state have been awarded a total of $1.3 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. The program helps agricultural producers start value-added activities to create new products, expand marketing opportunities, and increase income.
The following businesses received grants:
Northeastern Wisconsin:
- Ledgerock Distillery: $250,000 to process corn and wheat into high-end craft spirits and for marketing. This project is expected to increase their customer base by over 6,000 and revenue by more than $1.3 million.
- May Hill Farm: $49,960 to process hogs into various products and for marketing. This project is expected to increase their customer base by about 194 and revenue by $150,000.
- Lakeshore Forest Products: $250,000 to process hardwood logs into kiln-dried lumber and for marketing. This project is expected to increase revenue by more than $4 million.
Western and Central Wisconsin:
- Chateau Saint Croix: $250,000 to increase direct-to-consumer sales of its locally grown and produced wines. This project is expected to increase their customer base by over 1,600 and sales by approximately $346,000.
- Red Door Family Farm: $250,000 to increase sales of its produce to new customers. This project is expected to increase their customer base by more than 600 and sales by nearly $420,000.
Southeastern Wisconsin:
- Three Brothers Farm, LLC: $249,962 to increase sales of certified organic, pasture-raised eggs to new customers. This project is expected to increase their customer base by nearly 800 and sales by $725,000.
These grants will help these businesses grow, hire more workers, and invest in their communities.
More information about USDA’s Value-Added Grant Program is available here.
Photo Credit: USDA
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy