Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program announces 2024 Direct to Farmer Grant recipients

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and Marbleseed announced 125 Wisconsin farmers have been awarded funds through the 2024 Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance (WI LFPA) program. Recipients were awarded amounts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 to grow and provide food for hunger relief efforts across the state. The farmers and farms selected represent 49 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.

More than 95 percent of those awarded are part of a socially disadvantaged or historically underserved community. Of those, 55 percent are new or beginning farmers, 42 percent of the farms are woman owned, and 38 percent are farmers that are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). These farmers will provide their local products to communities in need throughout the state.

Through technical assistance and events, these farmers will also have the opportunity to learn about and gain experience in expanding their farms into wholesale markets.

Area recipients include:

Cattail Organics (Marathon County)Chee Farmer’s Market (Marathon County)GreenGold Gardens LLC (Marathon County)Growing Earth Farm (Marathon County)Helene’s Hilltop Orchard (Marathon County)Lakeview Berry Farm (Marathon County)Melody Low (Marathon County)Chao L Lor (Marathon County)Mai’s Farm Fresh (Marathon County)N&K GInseng LLC (Marathon County)Red Door Family Farm (Marathon County)School Road Farm (Marathon County)Yuepheng (Marathon County)

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service to create and implement the Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance (WI LFPA) program. The WI LFPA program aims to strengthen local food systems; support Wisconsin farmers; and distribute fresh, nutritious foods to underserved communities.

DATCP is collaborating with producers, distributors, food security organizations, and Tribal partners to provide program development, coordinate transportation and logistics, and procure food from local producers.