(WTAQ-WLUK) — Six businesses across the state are receiving USDA grants to expand their markets and create jobs, including three in Northeast Wisconsin.
The USDA announced it is making a $1,299,922 investment that will expand markets for agricultural producers and strengthen American food and agriculture supply chains.
“These investments are being made in rural businesses across the state whose products range from timber to produce, eggs and pork to wine and distilled spirits,” said Lassa. “The Value-Added Producer Grants announced today will strengthen the supply chain and grow the local economy. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the USDA is creating better economic opportunities that spur competition and bolster food supply chains, resulting in more affordable prices for consumers and more opportunities for farmers,” said USDA Rural Development State Director for Wisconsin Julie Lassa.
The businesses receiving grants:
Lakeshore Forest Products in Manitowoc County will use a $250,000 Value Added Producer Grant to provide working capital to process hardwood logs into kiln-dried hardwood lumber. Funds will also be used for marketing to increase their customer base.
Ledgerock Distillery LLC in Fond du Lac County will use a $250,000 Value Added Producer Grant to process corn and wheat into high-end craft spirits including bourbon, whiskey, vodka, and gin. Funds will also be used for marketing to increase their customer base to over 6,200 customers.
May Hill Farm LLC, a beginning farming operation in Fond du Lac County, will use a $49,960 Value Added Producer Grant to process hogs into whole/half hogs, individual cuts, pork sausage products, pork subscription boxes, and high end cut sales to restaurants and retailers. Funds will also be used for marketing to increase their customer base by 194 customers.
Red Door Family Farm in Marathon County will use a $250,000 Value Added Producer Grant to increase sales of its produce to new customers. The project will increase their customer base by over 600 customers.
Chateau Saint Croix LLC, a small winery in Polk County, will use a $250,000 Value Added Producer Grant to increase direct-to-consumer sales of its locally grown and produced wines, expanding their customer base by over 1,600 customers.
Three Brothers Farm LLC, a small farming operation in Waukesha County, will use a $249,962 Value Added Producer Grant to increase sales of certified organic, pasture-raised eggs to new customers to over 790 customers.
The USDA is investing in 185 projects worth nearly $196 million in 37 farms across the country and in Puerto Rico.
