The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in partnership with Marbleseed has announced that 125 Wisconsin farmers have been granted funds as part of the 2024 Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance program.
The recipients have received grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to support their efforts in growing and supplying food for hunger relief initiatives throughout Wisconsin.
These selected farmers and farms come from 49 out of the 72 counties in the state.
A significant majority of the awardees, over 95%, belong to socially disadvantaged or historically underserved communities.
Amongst this group, 55% are new or beginning farmers, 42% own farms managed by women, and 38% belong to Black, Indigenous, or People of Color communities.
These farmers will play a crucial role in providing locally produced goods to communities in need across the state. In addition to financial support, these farmers will receive technical assistance and participate in events to enhance their knowledge and skills in expanding their farming operations to reach wholesale markets.
