More than $1 million to fuel agricultural ingenuity
Contact: Mike Bandli 608-224-5136
MADISON – Time is running out for innovators looking to compete for more than $1 million in state agricultural grant funds.
This year there are two grant opportunities:
- $700,000 available in the state’s first-ever Biobased Industry Opportunity (BIO) grant program. Maximum grant award is $150,000 and applications must be received by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection by March 1.
- $380,000 available in the Agricultural Development and Diversification (ADD) grant program. Maximum grant award is $50,000 and applications must be received at DATCP by March 15.
“We are looking for ideas with a vision towards the future,” said Rod Nilsestuen, secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consuemr Protection. “Ingenuity is Wisconsin’s greatest resource.”
Proposal guidelines for both grant programs are available at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Web site, www.datcp.state.wi.us. Search ‘BIO grants’ and ‘ADD grants’.
Examples of BIO grant projects include the development of new:
- ways to generate usable forms of energy or fuels
- biobased products, including new fibers and other biobased materials
- technologies that enhance commercial viability of biobased business
- systems that transform waste streams into energy or biobased products
Biobased industries include energy, fuels or value-added chemicals and materials generated from agricultural, forestry plant or other biological materials.
ADD grants help the agricultural industry test and explore new markets, products and technology and other opportunities in Wisconsin agriculture. Examples of past ADD grant projects include:
- testing technology to better manage wastewater at smaller-sized cheese plants
- developing and testing specialty ethnic markets for sheep and goat meat
- researching market opportunities for end-of season strawberries
“We welcome a wide variety of projects,” said Mike Bandli, grant program coordinator. Call him for more information at 608-224-5136.
