Buy Local strengthening the state’s food industries

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting applications for Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin (BLBW) Grants, of up to $200,000. BLBW is a competitive grant program, designed to strengthen Wisconsin’s agriculture and food industries, by helping farms and businesses more efficiently process, market and distribute locally grown food products. These grants provide consumers with access to more Wisconsingrown food products, including organic vegetables, hops varieties, hazelnut products, locally grown grain and other value-added products. Qualified applicants include individuals, groups, or businesses involved in Wisconsin production agriculture, food processing, food distribution, food warehousing, retail food establishments or agricultural tourism operations. Funded projects will need to report on increased local food sales, created and retained jobs, and new investments. Projects can receive grant funds for up to three years, and requests must be between $5,000 and $50,000. Eligible expenses include compensation for personnel, consultant services, materials and supplies. Grant recipients must provide a one-to-one match of cash or in-kind support, accounting for at least 50 percent of the project budget. The DATCP will use a competitive review process, to select the most qualified projects. Contracts and project work may begin in December 2025. Applications must be received by noon, Monday, Sept. 15. Information and application materials are available at datcp.wi.gov.