Wisconsin Ag Connection - Grants Available to Grow Wisconsin Local Goods

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Grants Available to Grow Wisconsin Local Goods
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/19/2014

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture is again offering Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin grants to strengthen the state's agricultural and food industries.

"Just as a wide variety of foods makes for a healthy diet, a variety of farms and agribusinesses makes for a healthy economy," said BLBW Program Manager Teresa Engel. "We encourage growers, processors and distributors of diverse products to apply, and we look forward to funding some innovative ideas."

The competitive grant was launched in 2008. Since its inception, there have been over $6 million in new local food sales and thousands of dollars in new investments and and jobs.

Proposals will be accepted from individuals, groups, businesses and organizations involved in Wisconsin agriculture, food processing, food distribution, food warehousing, retail food establishments or agricultural tourism sites. Proposals could include collaborations or partnerships.

A total of $200,000 is available in grant funding; the maximum award for each project is $50,000. Grant applicants must provide a cash or in-kind match of at least 50 percent of the total project budget.

Pre-proposals must be received at DATCP by December 1. For more information, call 608-224-5134.

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