Compeer Financial awards $29K to Wisconsin farmers markets

Carolyn Lessard/AP

PRESS RELEASE

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — As part of its ongoing effort to support local economies and agriculture, Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America has awarded $28,920 in Farmers Market Grants to local farmers markets and vendors across Wisconsin.

This is the seventh year Compeer Financial has offered these grants under its Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program. Overall, the program is distributing $86,697 in grants in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Since the grant debuted in 2019, they have directly impacted 14,972 vendors and touched the lives of 11.6 million farmers market visitors across the company’s three-state region.

“These grants significantly boost the markets’ ability to support local farmers and producers, while creating vibrant and sustainable market environments that are economic drivers and community hubs,” said Karen Schieler, Manager of Corporate Giving at Compeer Financial. “We’re proud to support the farmers markets and vendors bringing fresh and nutritious foods straight to our communities.”

This year’s grants support 21 farmers market organizations in Wisconsin with funding up to $1,000 for marketing, technology or educational efforts and 17 farmer vendors with grants of up to $500.

Schieler says they are seeing trends from grant recipients this year.

“Marketing continues to be the most needed resource for both vendors and markets,” Schieler said. “The grants support expanded local marketing efforts to increase visibility, attract more visitors and boost sales.”

Farmers market organizations are largely volunteer-driven, and operational efficiency is a priority. Markets are increasingly adapting technology for market management, vendor management and customer payment options.

In total, 68 farmers markets in Compeer Financial’s territory are receiving grants. In Wisconsin, the totals are:

• 21 organization grants totaling $20,500
• 17 vendor grants totaling $8,420

The 21 farmers markets receiving grants in Wisconsin include:

• Portage Farmers Market
• Ferryville Farmers Market
• Waunakee Farmers and Makers Market
• Hillside Farmers Market
• Menomonie Farmers Market
• Friends of Blue River Farmers Market
• Berlin Farmers & Artists Market Inc
• Tutti Noi Farmers Market
• The Market
• Whitefish Bay Farmers Market
• Cathedral Square Market
• Riverwest Farmers Market
• Brown Deer Farmers Market
• Frederic Farmers Market
• Richland Area Farmers Market
• Baraboo Farmers Market
• Hayward Farmers Market
• Plymouth Farmers Market
• Saturdays on the Square
• The Farmers Market at Perlick Distillery
• Omro Thursday Night Market

The grants will be offered again next year. Farmers market organizations and farmer vendors who are clients of Compeer are eligible for the grant every other year. Learn more at compeer.com/giving-back .

Looking to navigate the complexities of grants funding? Lexipol is your go-to resource for state-specific, fully-developed grants services that can help fund your needs. Find out more about our grants services here.

About the Fund for Rural America

The Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America is the corporate giving program of Compeer Financial, structured to support Compeer Financial’s mission to enrich agriculture and rural America. Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors has dedicated one percent of annual net earnings to support the Fund’s focus areas of agriculture education, youth engagement, rural development and community enrichment, agricultural advocacy and development, and cooperative initiatives. The Fund is managed by a Board of Trustees, made up of team members and members of the Compeer Financial Board of Directors. More information about opportunities available through the Fund can be found at Compeer.com/giving-back .



About Compeer Financial

Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The $34.7 billion organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Based in the Upper Midwest, Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America, while providing personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry.



Compeer Financial is the third largest cooperative of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions supporting agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Learn more about Compeer Financial.