MADISON, Wis. (WSAU) — Dairy producers and processors are being encouraged to apply for a set of grants through the state ag department that could help them work on novel and inventive ideas for the industry.
The program is the Grow Wisconsin Dairy 30×20 Processor Grants and there’s $200,000 available to businesses across the state. It’s the second year of the program and DATCP ag consultant Norm Munson says they’re hoping for some good ideas this year. “The intent is to help these processors address concerns, capture opportunities, help them plan for modernization. So it’s a good program, it’s the second year year that we’re offering it, and we had some great success stories in 2014.”
Munson says last year’s program had some great applicants. “Develop new uses of whey, and how to develop the proteins out of the way, and another one actually used the money to employ specialists to develop ways and plans to handle wastewater, which is always a big issue.”
Businesses looking to apply for the grant should be aiming for a proposal that encourages collaboration or boosts insights in the whole dairy community in Wisconsin. Munson says that can help encourage the entire sector. “The monies that are spent can have a good effect not only for that individual processor, but gives an example to the rest of the industry on how things might be done.”
Applications are due in by June 1. Eligible applicants must operate a licensed dairy processing plant engaged in pasteurizing, processing or manufacturing milk or dairy products that is, or will be, located in Wisconsin.
ONLINE: http://datcp.wi.gov/Farms/Dairy_Farming/Processor_Grant/index.aspx
