Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grant Program - Application Process Closed. 2010 RFA to be released in late summer/early fall.
The Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin (BLBW) grant program invites pre-proposals for projects that are likely to stimulate Wisconsin's agricultural economy by increasing the purchase of Wisconsin grown or produced food by local food buyers. Pre-proposals will be accepted from individuals, groups, businesses and organizations involved in Wisconsin agriculture, agritourism, food retailing, processing, distribution or warehousing.

Projects need to show how they will stimulate Wisconsin’s agricultural economy by increasing the purchase of Wisconsin grown or produced food.

2009 BLBW Grant Manual (9 page PDF)
2009 BLBW Pre-proposal Form (5 page Word doc)

Last year, the interest and response to the grant program were tremendous. The program received 94 applications requesting over $3 million in funds, far exceeding the $225,000 available. Ultimately, seven projects were selected to increase local food sales and grow the state's economy.

2008 Grant Recipients - 2 page PDF

For questions about the BLBW program, please email DatcpBLBW@wi.gov or call Teresa Cuperus at 608-224-5101.

The Wisconsin Local Food Marketing Guide
The guide explains step-by-step how to move products from field to consumer. It covers selling directly to consumers via farmers markets, community supported agriculture, agritourism, on-farm stores, pick-your-own operations and roadside stands, and selling through intermediate channels such as restaurants, grocery stores, institutions, and distributors. The guide also provides information on pricing products, licensing, labeling, regulations, food safety, food liability, and farm insurance, and lists resources to find additional information at the end of each chapter.

Wisconsin Local Food Marketing Guide - Chapter 4 Excerpt (28 page PDF)
State requirements that affect local food marketers may include inspection of processing facilities, review of labels on packaged food products, inspection of scales, and collection of food samples to be analyzed for contaminants or composition requirements. View the 'Licensing, Labeling, Food Safety & Regulation Requirements' section by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to see areas specific to your operation.

Producers First - a Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Program
Grants of up to $3,000 for technical assistance to Small-Midsized Farmers

Could I apply?
Any Wisconsin farmer or producer may apply. Producers for local markets are encouraged to apply.

What kind of assistance could I get?
Examples of technical assistance include but are not limited to: business planning, accounting and financial organization, packaging and label development, food safety, grant writing assistance, market development, cooperative development, etc. Assistance directly related to production does not qualify for this program.

Who will provide this assistance?
The applicant will identify someone with the experience and expertise they need to provide the assistance.  A list of consultants is available upon request.

How can I apply?
The next funding cycle will begin with a Request for Applications to be released in early 2010.  Please check back soon.