For the Tomahawk Leader

WISCONSIN – Governor Tony Evers and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski announced on Wednesday, Oct. 12 that 91 meat processors had been selected to receive a total of $10 million through the governor’s Meat and Poultry Supply Chain Resiliency Grants.

Evers announced the creation of the Meat and Poultry Supply Chain Resiliency Grant Program in May 2022 to “continue to support the growth of Wisconsin’s meat processing industry and improve the long-term viability of the state’s livestock industry,” a release from Evers’ office said.

“Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Wisconsin meat processors will receive funding for grant projects of up to $150,000.00,” the release stated. “Grants are awarded through a competitive selection process, and selected processors must provide a match of 100% of the grant amount.”

The release said DATCP received 99 grant applications requesting more than $11.1 million in funding.

Among the grant recipients are The Butcher in Pine River, located in Pine River; Geiss Meat Service LLC in Merrill; and The Butcher & The Baker LLC in Brantwood.

“From bolstering our meat processing workforce to providing resources so processors can increase capacity and throughput, I’ve been glad to direct $15 million of our federal funds, in addition to our budget investments, to support the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s meat and livestock industry,” Evers stated. “This industry has been core to our state’s economy for generations, and with this support, we’re going help ensure this industry thrives for generations to come.”

 “The demand and interest from meat processors to build and grow their operations is high,” Romanski said. “Through these grants created by Governor Evers, we are providing critical funding to meat processors to help them thrive in our state and continue producing meat products for local consumers and beyond.”

A list of the 91 selected recipients that span 48 Wisconsin counties is available at www.bit.ly/3VnaoCW.