VernonReporter

Two Vernon County dairy companies receive DATCP Dairy Processor Grants

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced that 15 Wisconsin dairy companies, including two in Vernon County, will receive a Dairy Processor Grant. The purpose of these grants is to help foster innovation, improve profitability, and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing facilities.

Vernon County recipients of The Dairy Processor Grant include:

Bekkum Family Farms, LLC d/b/a Nordic Creamery: Produce new A2 milk cheese varieties for Nordic Creamery

CROPP Cooperative – Organic Valley: Enhance packaging capabilities for two stick butter

“Wisconsin’s dairy processors feed our families, stock our shelves, and play a critical role in our state’s economy, culture, and heritage,” said Gov. Evers. “I’ve been proud to support increases for these grants in my budgets to help our dairy processors continue to grow and modernize their operations, bolster our dairy supply chain, and ensure Wisconsin dairy remains on top for generations to come.”

Bekkum Family – Nordic Creamery

The 2023-25 budget signed by Gov. Evers provided an increase of $300,000 annually for the Dairy Processor Grant Program, providing a total of $500,000 for this year’s Dairy Processor Grant awards, with a maximum of $75,000 allowed for each project. Grant recipients are required to provide a match of at least 20% of their grant amount. DATCP received 36 grant requests totaling more than $2.2 million.

“I appreciate the support from Governor Evers and the legislature for funding this grant program in the biennial budget. Wisconsinites are working to maintain and build on the state’s reputation as America’s Dairyland. One piece to the dairy supply chain is Wisconsin’s processors,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “Since this program began, the demand for grants has been high. This year was no different, with requests totaling more than four times the available funding.”

Since 2014, DATCP has received a total of 235 Dairy Processor Grant proposals requesting a total of more than $9.2 million. DATCP has funded 121 of those proposals, totaling $2.5 million. For more information on Dairy Processor Grants, visit DATCP’s website.

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