September 18, 2026: DATCP Accepting Dairy Processor Grants Through November 3, 2026

​​​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 18​, 2026
Contact: Haley Laufenberg, Public Information Officer, (608) 440-0294, haley.laufenb​[email protected]​​​

​​MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) invites Wisconsin dairy processors to apply for Dairy Processor Grants by noon on November 3, 2026. Due to the ongoing success of this program in supporting innovation for 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.

"Wisconsin's dairy processors are a vital link in the dairy supply chain, and their ongoing commitment to crafting the highest quality dairy products reflects positively on the whole industry," said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. "Thanks to Gov. Evers continued investment in dairy processors, we continue to invest in Wisconsin dairy."

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.

The grant application and more information are available at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/AgDevelopment/DairyProcessorGrants.aspx.

Applications must be submitted to DATCP by 12 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. An informational webinar will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Grant recipients will be announced in the coming months.

Since the program started in 2014, DATCP has received 297 Dairy Processor Grant proposals requesting more than $12.1 million and has funded 148 of those proposals totaling $3.8 million.​

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