Wisconsin Ag Connection - Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grant Pre-Proposals Due September 21

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grant Pre-Proposals Due September 21
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/10/2009

The state's second round of the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grant program will award $222,700 total this year. State Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen is hoping that grant pre-proposals increase local food sales and grow the state's economy.

"We're looking for projects that will help increase Wisconsin producers' share of the dollars spent on food in the state," said Secretary Nilsestuen.

Individuals, groups, businesses and organizations involved in Wisconsin agriculture, agri-tourism, retail food establishments or food processing, distribution or warehousing are eligible to apply. Projects need to show how they will stimulate Wisconsin's agricultural economy by increasing the purchase of Wisconsin grown or produced food. Pre-proposals must be received by DATCP's Division of Agricultural Development by September 21 at 4 p.m.

Projects might range from increasing the processing capacity of smaller processors to developing a local food distribution company to creating an agricultural tourism region to collaborating with other producers on a marketing effort.

The 2009 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grant program pre-proposal template and grant manual is available online at www.datcp.state.wi.us, search 'buy local,' or call 608-224-5101.