USDA Value-Added Producer Grants-Funded Project Benefits Wisconsin Farmers Market Producers and More

(Stevens Point, Wis., Aug. 5, 2026) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing funding through the Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG) program in the farmer-owned Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative (WFHC) project that aims to get more fresh vegetables into schools and childcare centers throughout Wisconsin.

Many of the producers that make up the Waupaca-based cooperative got their start working with larger markets after first being involved in Wisconsin's vibrant farmers markets.

Located in Athens, Cattail Organics is sometimes set up at the Wausau Farmers Market. They participate in the WFHC project to get more fresh vegetables into schools and childcare centers and believe children notice the remarkable difference in fresh, farm-grown vegetables.

"Farmers markets can be steppingstones for agriculture producers aspiring to reach larger markets, such as schools, food pantries, cooperatives, and more," said Cattail Organics Owner Kat Becker. "Once kids taste carrots that are freshly grown, it is a totally different experience, they're a lot sweeter and a lot more flavorful. Fresh vegetables, especially those within our community, feeding our state, those make the biggest impact."

Red Door Family Farm is also located in Athens and participates in the Wausau Farmers Market and WFHC project to get more vegetables into schools and childcare centers.

"It's giving the kids in this county a lifetime of learning how to eat vegetables," said Athens-based Red Door Family Farm Owner Stacey Botsford.

On August 8, 2026, Cattail Organics and Red Door Farms will host the annual "Farm to Feast" dinner event at Rockridge Orchard in Edgar. The event will benefit the United Way Hunger Coalition program.

Another WFHC producer, Alum Sweet Corn in Randolph, participates in the Dane County Farmers Market, the Westside Community Market < /a>and the South Shore Farmers Market.

They recently introduced homegrown inferno Romaine lettuce and homegrown popcorn, which can be popped right on the cob.

The public is invited to celebrate their 50th anniversary with everyone on the farm in Radolph on Sunday, August 16, 2026, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The WFHC recently launched a new, dedicated website to help schools learn about the program and become involved.

"From farm fields to schools and childcare centers, this USDA investment will expand the availability of nutritious options for children across the state so they can learn and grow," said USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson.

More information about the WFHC project is in this USDA story.

The VAPG program helps agriculture producers create new products, expand marketing opportunities, and increase income through enhanced product value and market reach.

In Fiscal Year 2025, USDA invested nearly $2 million in nine projects in Wisconsin through the VAPG program.

"Investments through the USDA Value-Added Producer Grants program are helping Wisconsin agriculture producers build capacity and stretch resources," said Iverson. "These projects drive economic growth while creating more opportunities for Wisconsin producers."

While the VAPG program is not currently open for applications, now is time to organize materials to be prepared for when the program becomes open for applications.

For more information on how to apply for funding through the Value-Added Producer Grants program, please visit grants.gov or contact a USDA Rural Development Business and Cooperative program specialist in Wisconsin at [email protected].

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.

Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov/wi, subscribe to GovDelivery updates, and follow us on X at @RD_Wisconsin.

Photo Captions

Photo 1: Cattail Organics Owner Kat Becker holds a container of squash at the Wausau Farmers Market. Kat said farmers markets can be a steppingstone for agriculture producers aspiring to work with larger markets like cooperatives, food pantries, and more.

Photo 2: At the Dane County Farmers Market in Madison on Saturday, August 1, 2026, the Alum Sweet Corn team provides fresh sweet corn and more produce that is grown right here in rural Wisconsin.