Wisconsin Meat Processor Infrastructure Grant

Infrastructure grants from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to meat-processing establishments to grow the state's meat industry and support livestock-sector viability.

• Operators of a DATCP- or USDA-licensed meat-processing establishment located in Wisconsin.

• Applicants must be engaged in livestock harvesting or further meat processing.

• Rendering plants are not eligible.

• The proposed project must increase harvest capacity or the amount of meat product production.

• Applicants must have no outstanding state or federal penalties or violations.

• Applicants must be in good standing with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, DATCP, and USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

• Matching funds equal to 100 percent of the grant award are required.

• DATCP employees and their immediate family members cannot financially benefit from grant-funded projects.

Grants of up to $50,000, for projects lasting up to two years. Matching funds of 100 percent of the grant award are required, and the match must be an eligible project expense documented the same way as reimbursable costs. This is a reimbursement grant: DATCP advances nothing, and you claim costs with invoices and proof of payment. DATCP may partially fund a project or give all available funds to a single project.

The 2027 Request for Proposals does not state the total available. The 2026 round made $700,000 available.

Rounds recur but not in a fixed month. Recent windows opened October 28, 2021, February 5, 2024, January 12, 2026, and September 16, 2026.

The 2027 round is open. DATCP opened applications on September 16, 2026, and they must be received by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on October 15, 2026. DATCP will not consider late applications.

How to apply: complete the online application at https://wi.accessgov.com/datcp/Forms/Page/dad/mpigapplication/1. Read the 2027 Request for Proposals first (https://datcp.wi.gov/Documents2/2027MPIGRFP.docx). Both are linked from the program page, https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/AgDevelopment/MeatProcessorInfrastructureGrants.aspx. Paper applications are available on request.

Every applicant must name one authorized contract signer, who can sign contracts for the business, and one project coordinator, who handles all grant communication. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

How it is scored: a review committee rates each complete application out of 100 points: grant application 10, statement of need 35, activities and outcomes 25, budget 20, and up to 10 extra points. Preference may go to projects with an industry-wide benefit or that increase harvest for multiple Wisconsin producers, and to applicants without a prior MPIG award or an open DATCP Division of Agricultural Development grant.

What happens next: the committee selects projects by November 9, 2026, DATCP notifies selected applicants in late November, projects are expected to start January 1, 2027, and all projects must end by December 31, 2029. Payment is by reimbursement under a signed contract, which must be returned within 30 days. Costs incurred before the contract is signed are reimbursed only case by case.

Questions: DATCPdadgrants@wisconsin.gov, or Jeff Swenson, Livestock and Meat Specialist, (608) 333-7016.