09-26-2000
STATE WINS $30,000 MEAT MARKETING GRANT

MADISON - Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture Ben Brancel today announced that a
federal grant of about $31,000 has been awarded to the state to help small-scale farmers
with an innovative meat marketing program designed to increase farm profits by
responding to consumer demand for meat from pasture-raised livestock and poultry.



"Effective marketing responds to consumer trends," said Brancel. "This grant will allow
small farmers to do just that, and with a distinctive brand that will build consumer
recognition and trust."



The Wisconsin Pasturelands project offers a marketing opportunity to small farmers who
raise their animals in a natural environment. Beef, chicken, lamb, and pork producers are
eligible.



More than 40 Wisconsin farmers have indicated strong interest in the project.



Wisconsin was one of 12 ag states receiving matching grants totaling nearly $600,000 to
support agriculture market research, according to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan
Glickman.



"These projects reflect our continued commitment to help small farmers and ranchers
find new, innovative approaches to marketing that will help them better connect with
consumers," said Glickman. "Finding alternatives to traditional retail distribution
strengthens the chances for smaller producers to survive in markets that are growing
increasingly concentrated and competitive."



Organizations joining the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer
Protection to apply for the grant include The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; the
University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives; and the UW Extension Resources,
Sauk County Agriculture Extension Service. The Small Business Development Center,
UW-Whitewater, also contributed.

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