The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is accepting applications for its Agriculture Development and Diversification (ADD) grant program, which supports new enterprises and opportunities in the food and agricultural industry through innovation and growth. Proposals must be received by 5 p.m., March 15, 2010.
'We are looking for projects that will ADD value to Wisconsin agriculture and invest in the state's future,' said Rod Nilsestuen, Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. 'Despite the challenging budget times, the state needs to continue to make targeted investments to grow our economy. These highly competitive grants return millions of dollars to the state in increased profits, new markets, and new technologies.'
Since its creation in 1989, DATCP has funded 342 projects with $6.8 million. ADD grant recipients have reported their grant projects have leveraged $49 million in new capital investment and over $140 million in economic returns, including sales increases, cost reductions or other economic impact.
Current ADD grant project examples include: researching the economic viability of commercial sweet potato production; investigating the feasibility of raising walleye and hybrid walleye in commercial aquaculture facilities; evaluating the technical and economic feasibility of a proposed biomass aggregation and densification facility; and conducting field trials for hardy table grape production in Wisconsin.
'We want projects that will focus on a challenge facing part of the Wisconsin Ag industry and will work to find solutions that foster further growth and opportunities in Wisconsin Agriculture,' said Mike Bandli, ADD grant program coordinator.
The 2010 ADD Grant materials are available online at the DATCP Web site, www.datcp.state.wi.us. Search 'ADD grants' or call Mike Bandli at 608-224-5136 for more information.
