Meat Processor Infrastructure Grant

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) administers the Meat Processor Infrastructure Grant (MPIG) program to support the growth of Wisconsin’s meat industry and improve the long-term sustainability of the state’s livestock sector. Funded through state statutes, this competitive grant provides reimbursement funding to licensed meat processing establishments seeking to expand operational capacity, improve throughput, or resolve production bottlenecks. By supporting infrastructure development, the program aims to bolster the competitive position of Wisconsin's meat processing sector, enhance food system resilience, and create local employment opportunities. Applicants must operate a licensed meat processing facility in Wisconsin, with licensure from either DATCP or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The facility must be engaged in livestock harvesting or further processing of meat products. To be eligible, projects must directly contribute to increased harvest capacity or production throughput that impacts harvest capacity elsewhere in the supply chain. Preference is given to projects that clearly demonstrate a 20% or greater increase in harvest capacity and to applicants without an existing open grant under DATCP’s Division of Agricultural Development (DAD). Each grant provides up to $50,000 in reimbursement funds over a two-year project period. The program requires a 1:1 matching contribution from the applicant, meaning that for every dollar awarded, the recipient must contribute an equivalent amount in eligible project expenses. Eligible uses of funds include facility expansion, equipment purchases and installation, construction, engineering and architectural services, and food safety consulting. Ineligible costs include real estate purchases, rent beyond the contract period, overhead not directly tied to the project, travel, lobbying, and costs incurred prior to the contract start date. Only expenses clearly documented and tied to the grant objectives will be reimbursed. Applications must be submitted through an online form by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on February 23, 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. The program's competitive review process includes evaluation of the project’s relevance to program goals, quality of the proposed budget, and the capacity of the applicant to manage grant funds and implement the project. DATCP may also prioritize projects that yield industry-wide benefits and involve multiple Wisconsin producers or processors. Notifications of award are expected by late March 2026, and projects may begin as early as June 1, 2026. All grant activities must be completed by May 31, 2028. The grant contract must be signed and returned within 30 days of issuance, and no reimbursement will be issued for expenses incurred before the contract is executed unless expressly approved. Payments will be made based on submission of documented expenses and a final invoice, with 10% of the total award held until the final report is submitted and approved. Grantees are required to submit semi-annual performance reports in December and June, as well as a final report summarizing outcomes, including increases in capacity and operational efficiencies achieved. DATCP reserves the right to conduct site visits, audit financial records, and publicly share program data and success stories. Program participants must maintain accurate project records for four years following project completion and comply with open records laws. Failure to adhere to contract terms may result in forfeiture of funds or disqualification from future grants.