2015 Ag Grants Workshops

UW-Extension in partnership with Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI), USDA Rural Development, USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE), and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) hosts four one-day Agricultural Grants Workshops held at four different locations around the state that help farmers and other value-added food entrepreneurs learn about available agricultural grants, how to put together strong grant proposals, and about other financing options.

The workshop consists of five main components:

  1. An overview to agricultural grants, grant writing and what makes a strong grant proposal.
  2. A lunch-time presentation from a local grant awardee talking about his/her grant experience.
  3. Description and overview of Ag Grants from grant managers for:
    • USDA Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG),
    • USDA-SARE grants including the SARE Farmer Rancher Grant,
    • USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, and
    • WI-DATCP Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin (BLBW) Grant.
  4. A group exercise that allows participants to review actual proposals and gain hands-on experience at grant-writing.
  5. Info on other financial options (FSA loans, bank loans and NRCS cost share programs) specific to Wisconsin.

The locations for the 2015 Ag Grants Workshops are:

  • Hixton – Sept 17
  • Merrill – Sept 18
  • West Bend – Sept 23
  • Platteville – Sept 30

Cost is $15, which includes lunch and all materials.

Download the 2015 Ag Grants Workshop flier with full agenda and information on how to register.

ag grants workshop 2015 poster front only