MADISON — After funding grants for meat processors throughout Wisconsin earlier in May, Gov. Tony Evers announced the creation of the Meat and Poultry Supply Chain Resiliency Grant Program.

The state plans to invest $10 million from the American Rescue Plant Act. Wisconsin-based meat processors can apply for grants of up to $150,000.

The Meat and Poultry Supply Chain Resiliency Grant Program will be distributed by Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

“When demand for the Meat Processor Infrastructure Grants far exceeded the budgeted dollars, Gov. Evers committed to develop the Meat and Poultry Supply Chain Resiliency Grant to address the unmet need,” said Randy Romanski, secretary of DATCP. “Through these historic investments, Wisconsin’s meat processing industry will continue to thrive and remain as a national leader for years to come.”

Processors are required to provide a match of 100% of the grant amount, and grants will be awarded through a competitive selection process. The application period for the Meat and Poultry Supply Chain Resiliency Grant Program opened on May 23.

With the addition of this program, the state of Wisconsin has now put more than $15 million into meat processing. 

The 2021-23 biennial budget also included $200,000 in each year of the biennium for Meat Processor Infrastructure Grants. These grants enabled meat processors to invest in their facilities and install equipment to expand production and gain efficiencies.

In the first year of the Meat Processor Infrastructure Grants, the DATCP received 100 applications requesting more than $4.4 million in funding.