MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) invites Wisconsin meat processors to apply for the Meat Processor Infrastructure Grant through February 23, 2026. The meat processor grant program aims to grow Wisconsin’s meat industry and improve the long-term viability of the state’s livestock sector.
“By creating the Meat Processor Infrastructure Grant program, Governor Evers and the legislature have spurred investment in this important Wisconsin economic driver,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “The grants have strengthened Wisconsin’s meat industry by assisting processors in modernizing their establishments, improving capacity and throughput, and improving employee retention.”
Eligible applicants must operate a meat processing establishment in Wisconsin licensed by DATCP or the U.S. Department of Agriculture and be engaged in livestock harvest or meat processing. Projects must increase harvest capacity or production, with a goal of increasing harvest or production by 20 percent. Funding from these grants can be used for operating expenses directly related to the grant project, including expenses for engineering, architectural design, construction, food safety consultation, equipment, and equipment installation.
DATCP will award grants for up to $50,000 for projects that last up to two years and help expand capacity or increase throughput. Processors must provide a match of 100% of the grant amount. The selection process is competitive, and there is $700,000 available for the 2026 grant program.
Access the grant application and materials at https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/
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