The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has opened the application period for its Dairy Processor Grants, inviting dairy processors in the state to apply by noon on September 17, 2025. The program, which began in 2014, is designed to support innovation and ensure the long-term sustainability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing sector.

This year’s grant cycle comes with increased funding after a bipartisan agreement between Governor Tony Evers and the state legislature added more resources to the initiative in the 2025-2027 biennial budget. According to DATCP, these grants aim to encourage innovation, improve profitability, and help maintain viable operations for dairy processors throughout Wisconsin.

Eligible applicants must operate a licensed dairy processing plant within Wisconsin that engages in pasteurizing, processing, or manufacturing milk or other dairy products. Grant funds may be used for a variety of business needs including food safety improvements, staff training programs, facility expansion or modernization projects, and professional consulting services.

“Our state's dairy processors understand that, to stay at the forefront of the industry, they need to be creative and innovative, and these grants help them do just that," said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “Gov. Evers and the Wisconsin legislature recognize processors' vital contributions to our dairy and agricultural supply chain, and, in the latest biennial budget they increased funding for these grants to $600,000 annually."

Grant recipients will be selected through a competitive process. Each project can receive up to $50,000 in grant funding but requires recipients to provide matching funds equal to 20% of their award amount.

Applications must be submitted electronically by noon on Monday, September 17. More information about eligibility requirements and how to apply is available from DATCP. The department plans to announce successful applicants in December 2025.

Since its inception over a decade ago, interest in the Dairy Processor Grant program has been significant. DATCP reports having received 267 proposals requesting more than $11.4 million since 2014; out of those applications, it has funded 135 projects totaling $3.2 million.

The additional funding allocated this year reflects ongoing efforts by state leaders to strengthen Wisconsin’s position as a leader in dairy production and processing—a key part of both local economies and national food supply chains.