USDA Awards $800,000 to Four Wisconsin Agriculture Projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is investing $800,000 in four value-added agriculture projects across Wisconsin through its Value-Added Producer Grants program. Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson announced that each of the four recipients will receive $200,000 to expand their market reach and develop new revenue streams.

B&E’s Trees, LLC in Viroqua will use its grant to grow its maple syrup energy product business, aiming to add nearly 7,700 customers and increase revenue by $446,471. Driftless Seed Company, LLC in Soldiers Grove will expand its organic vegetable, flower, and native prairie seed business. Both companies expect to create or save four jobs each.

Additional grants were awarded to GW Organics, LLC in East Troy for the expansion of pasteurized beef and poultry sales, and Lush Farms, LLC in New Berlin for the expansion of worm casting soil amendments. These investments are intended to strengthen local economies and increase access to high-quality agricultural products in rural Wisconsin.