By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is offering Export Expansion Grants to boost Wisconsin's agricultural exports.
Applications are being accepted until April 9, 2025. These grants are part of the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports (WIAE), established by Governor Evers in 2021 to promote dairy, meat, and crop exports.
"Gov. Evers recently introduced his fourth biennial budget, and he continues to lead the wayon agriculture investments,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “Today, on Ag Trade Day, DATCP and Gov. Evers are proud to announce these grants which will be another tool in Wisconsin exporter toolboxes.”
These grants aim to accelerate the growth of Wisconsin agricultural exports. Eligible applicants are Wisconsin-based non-profit organizations that serve or can serve Wisconsin agribusinesses, including associations, technical colleges, universities, and economic development groups.
Grants are available in two categories: meat or crop exports, with awards ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, and dairy exports, with awards from $25,000 to $100,000.
A 20% matching fund requirement, in cash or in-kind, applies. Eligible expenses include trade promotion travel, event promotion, marketing materials, advertising, subscriptions, contractor fees, and translation services.
DATCP will select grant recipients through a competitive review process. Projects will begin in May 2025 and must be completed by May 1, 2026.
Detailed grant information and application materials are available at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/AgDevelopment/ExportExpansionGrants.aspx.
For inquiries, contact DATCP grants specialist Kevin Webb at DATCPDADGrants@wisconsin.gov or (608) 224-5049.
For more information about WIAE, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/AgDevelopment/WisconsinInitiativeForAgriculturalExports.aspx.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Crops