It's part of a $450,000 grant package announbced by Governor Jim Doyle totalling $450,000 for 16 agricultural development. Projects range from renewable energy to specialty potatoes.
The funding is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's 2007 Agricultural Development and Diversification grant program.
"In Wisconsin, agriculture is our heritage, identity, and future. I am pleased to help Wisconsin's farmers modernize and diversify their businesses - and keep Wisconsin America's leader in agriculture," said Governor Doyle.
Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen said that innovation and diversity were key strengths for the industry in Wisconsin. "These projects were selected for their demonstrated ability to add value to agricultural products, help farmers and create jobs," he added.
The ADD grant program was created in 1989 to stimulate Wisconsin's farm economy. Based on post-grant surveys, the program has generated more than $100 million in economic returns, including annual sales increases, annual cost reduction, and additional economic returns.
Economic activity that has resulted from the success of grant projects include:
- More than 600 new jobs
- More than $30 million in new capital investment
- More than 400 new products developed