Wisconsin Funding

See current deadlines on the ATTRA website.

Wisconsin Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Organic farmers are eligible for reimbursement of 75% of their annual costs up to $750. Learn more and download an application packet on the DATCP website. Applications for fiscal year 2010 certifications (October 1, 2009 - September 30, 2010) are being accepted through October 29, 2010.

Producers First Grant Program - Technical Assistance for Farmers
Small to midsized producers and farmers in need of technical assistance are encouraged to apply to the Producers First Program. To participate, producers identify a need for technical assistance and can receive up to $3,000 to hire a consultant to help address that need. Examples of technical assistance include but are not limited to: market development, business and whole farm planning, accounting and financial organization, packaging and label development, facility planning, data management, legal services, grant writing, and food safety. Preference may be given to producers selling at least 75% of their products to be consumed within 300 miles of the farm. Applicants are encouraged to propose joint projects in cooperation with other producers in need of similar technical assistance. Participants are required to provide a minimum 10% cost-share toward the technical assistance. The producer may identify a consultant with the experience and expertise needed to provide the assistance. A list of consultants is available upon request. Applicants with a project that may benefit the local food market sector as well as an individual farm are encouraged to apply. Applications to Producers First will be accepted through December 31, 2010. Funded projects generally begin 6-8 weeks after an application is submitted. Application materials are available on the DATCP http://datcp.state.wi.us/mktg/business/marketing/val-add/directmktg/blbw/pro ducers_first.jsp. Contact Keefe Keeley at 608-224-5095 or via email at keefe.keeley@wi.gov for more information.

WI Dept of Ag, Trade & Consumer Protection Ag Development and Diversification (ADD)
The ADD Grant Program invites proposals for projects that are likely to stimulate Wisconsin's agricultural economy through the development and exploration of new value-added products, new markets, or new technologies in agriculture. ADD grants are awarded competitively each year, with deadlines generally in mid-March. For more information, contact Mike Bandli: (608) 224-5136, mike.bandli@datcp.state.wi.us or visit the WI Dept of Ag, Trade & Consumer Protection website.

The Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Grant Program (GLCI)
The GLCI is a partnership between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, and private sector agricultural and conservation groups, working together to promote best management practices on Wisconsin private grazing lands. There are three types of grants offered under this program. Grazing grants for education, for research, and for technical assistance. For more information go the GLCI website or contact Laura Paine, Division of Agricultural Development, (608) 224-5120 or laura.paine@wi.gov.

Buy Local Buy Wisconsin (BLBW)
The BLBW grant program invites pre-proposals for projects that are likely to stimulate Wisconsin's agricultural economy by increasing the purchase of Wisconsin grown or produced food by local food buyers. Pre-proposals will be accepted from individuals, groups, businesses and organizations involved in Wisconsin agriculture, agritourism, food retailing, processing, distribution or warehousing. The 2010 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grant Manual and pre-proposal template are available online at http://lists.wi.gov/t/460326/558531/1226/0/. The deadline is August 23, 2010 at 4pm. To learn more contact Teresa Cuperus at 608-224-5101; datcpBLBW@wi.gov.