By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting applications for its Dairy Processor Grant Program, with submissions due by 12 p.m. on September 1, 2026.
The program is designed to encourage innovation, improve business profitability, and support the long-term growth of Wisconsin’s dairy processing industry.
The grant program received additional funding through the 2025-2027 state budget, approved by Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Legislature, following years of successful investments in dairy processing facilities across the state.
Licensed Wisconsin dairy processors that pasteurize, process, or manufacture milk and dairy products are eligible to apply. Grant funding may be used for a variety of business improvements, including food safety upgrades, employee training, facility expansion, equipment modernization, and professional consulting services.
“Wisconsin’s dairy industry contributes $52.8 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski.
“The innovative dairy processors across the state contribute to this economic impact and make Wisconsin cheese a household name across the state, nation, and world. Thank you to Governor Evers for continuing to invest in agricultural businesses as they invest in our communities, workforce, and the state’s future.”
Projects will be selected through a competitive review process. Successful applicants may receive grants of up to $50,000 per project and must provide a matching contribution equal to 20% of the grant award.
DATCP will host an informational webinar after releasing the Request for Proposal (RFP). Grant recipients are expected to be announced in fall 2026.
Since the program launched in 2014, DATCP has received 283 grant applications requesting more than $12.1 million. Of those, 148 projects have been funded, with total awards exceeding $3.8 million, helping strengthen Wisconsin’s dairy processing sector.
For more information, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/AgDevelopment/DairyProcessorGrants.aspx.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy