Bolstering agriculture

Director's message from

Beth Haskovec

Agriculture and local food industries are critical to the economic health of not just rural Wisconsin but the entire state.

The Rural Voices for Prosperity Report, issued in 2020, identified several priorities aimed at strengthening the resilience of Wisconsin’s agricultural sector. One of the top recommendations called for bridging the gaps that inhibit market development. Rural stakeholders asked for solutions that will allow farmers to diversify their businesses and establish new revenue streams, as well as expanding livestock processing facilities and building more of them.

This month, we are featuring an exciting, new grant program established with a $28 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program will strengthen the state’s food supply chain. Grants ranging from $100,000 to $3 million will be available in FY24 to provide support for small farms and food businesses to modernize; enhance worker safety through new technologies; expand or construct food manufacturing, processing and distribution facilities; and create new job opportunities in rural communities.

Learn more about the program and sign up for announcements and updates on the program.

Vernon Economic Development Association pitches food and wellness

The Vernon Economic Development Association bought a vacant factory in Viroqua and remodeled it into the Food Enterprise Center, an entrepreneurial hub for food and wellness businesses.

READ THE SUCCESS STORY

Susan Townsley advocates for mental health services for rural residents

For a mental health professional, the issues that emerge in counseling sessions in farm country are not miles apart from those in urban areas, Susan notes—but farmers can be reluctant to seek counseling.

READ SUSAN'S STORY

AGRICULTURE RESOURCES

Agriculture is critical to the success of Wisconsin, contributing billions of dollars annually to the state's economy.

Read more about the organizations supporting rural agriculture as well as grants and other programs providing financial assistance those that feed us.

OTHER GRANTS AND RESOURCES

WISER Survey and Broadband Speed Test
In an effort to understand the availability and performance of—and barriers to—internet access in Wisconsin, WEDC and the Wisconsin Broadband Office are encouraging all households to take the Wisconsin Internet Self-Report (WISER) survey. This information will help shape state, regional, and county internet planning efforts.

WISER is a confidential online survey with a speed test; it is designed to capture the complexity of residents’ experience with internet service or lack thereof (e.g., service quality, cost burden, and accessibility) so that regional partners, Wisconsin’s 72 counties, and the Wisconsin Broadband Office can accurately understand a variety of broadband needs. The goal of this collaborative effort is to improve internet access; understand associated costs; and support internet adoption for Wisconsin residents by identifying areas where internet is not available or too expensive, does not perform well, or poses challenges to getting connected. An online mapping tool will be used to visualize the number of responses received from different areas of the state.

Take the WISER survey today or call 608.261.6026 to take it over the phone option (for those without sufficient internet access).

OptiMap Software
OptiMap is a speed testing and mapping software package that provides real-time broadband testing at a user’s location. Users who take the speed test will be able to view results with their download and upload speeds, as well as viewing maps from their local area showing available providers with speed and pricing for each. Take the speed test on the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission website or type wisconsinspeedtest.net into your browser.

Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant Program
The JEM Grant Program offers funding for new or specialized promotions or events. The grant reimburses Wisconsin nonprofit organizations up to $39,550 for qualified promotional costs. A JEM Grant is often a catalyst for communities to make an impact on their economy and create jobs for their residents. Upcoming grant round due dates: Aug. 1 and Nov. 1, 2023

Woodland Indians Arts Program
The Woodland Indian Arts Program is designed to promote and develop a foundation of cultural and economic support for traditional and contemporary Native American arts in Wisconsin. As part of this work, the Wisconsin Arts Board annually distributes funds from tribal gaming compacts to support artistic activities among Wisconsin's tribes, bands, and urban Indian communities.

County Forest Sustainable Grant
Counties with lands enrolled in the County Forest Law are eligible to apply for grants to be used for special, short-term, or unanticipated projects that promote sustainable forestry. Projects cannot include land acquisition, surveying, payments to permanent staff, or upgrades to existing computer software or hardware. Application deadline: Aug. 15, 2023

Rural Economic Development Program
The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program provides funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides zero-interest loans to local utilities, which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The recipients repay the lending utilities, and the utilities repay the USDA. Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2023

Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program | Build America (transportation.gov)
This program will award grants for hiring staff or contracting with expert firms to provide financial, technical, and legal assistance; assistance with development phase activities; and information regarding innovative financing techniques and case studies. Those eligible for the awards include rural local governments or political subdivisions, states, and tribes.

Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program
The Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program will invest $200 million in persistently distressed communities to connect people to good jobs. This program will create renewed economic opportunity in disadvantaged communities.. The program targets areas where employment for adults in the 25-54 age group significantly trails the national average, with the goal to close the gap through large, flexible investments that ensure sustainable and equitable economic growth.

Need assistance with grants or other rural projects? Get in touch with us.

Interested in hearing more from us?

We're always adding to our resource directory, covering new initiatives and sharing success stories from around the state.

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