The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) invites Wisconsin dairy processors to apply for Dairy Processor Grants by noon on September 17, 2025. Due to the ongoing success of this program in supporting innovation at dairy processors across the state, Gov. Evers and the state legislature reached a bipartisan agreement to include additional funding in the 2025-2027 biennial budget. Dairy Processor Grants aim to foster innovation, improve profitability, and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing facilities.

Eligible applicants must operate a licensed dairy processing plant in Wisconsin that is engaged in pasteurizing, processing, or manufacturing milk or dairy products. Funding from these grants can be used to address a wide range of dairy business needs such as food safety, staff training, plant expansion or modernization, and professional consulting services.

DATCP will choose awardees through a competitive selection process to receive grants of up to $50,000 per project. Recipients need to provide a match of 20% of the grant amount.

Applications must be submitted to DATCP by 12 p.m. on Monday, September 17, 2025. Grant recipients will be announced in December 2025.