This grant offers a 50/50 cost share for eligible expenses.  A maximum of $2500 is available per farm (required $5,000 expenditure) for "Supplies and Services" that help the grower become compliant with the rule.

We know that all growers will not have the same needs to become compliant, but expected "Supplies and Services" expenditures include but are not limited to record-keeping systems, worker training, hygiene-related signage, water-testing, handwashing stations, stainless steel surfaces and bins, easily cleanable wall panels, temperature and humidity monitoring controls, sanitizers and more.

This grant cannot fund construction or capital expenses for buildings or equipment (equipment is considered to be anything with a price tag of $5000 or more).

Future expenditures and expenditures made 1/1/2020 or later can be considered for grant funding.  You are encouraged to apply before making expenditures.  You may combine multiple smaller expenditures as long as the total does not exceed $5,000.

Funds are limited and applications will be scored to determine who receives funding.  Farms that are registered with DATCP, have a person that has taken approved FSMA training, have had an On-Farm Readiness Review and an inspection or a Third-Party Audit will score higher.

To apply go to wisconsinapplegrowers.org and you'll see the application link on the home page.  We'll accept applications until March 15, 2020 and may open up subsequent application times if funds remain available.

If you have questions, please email Anna Maenner at anna@acmadmin.com or contact the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association at 920-478-4277.