MADISON, WIS. – Dairy processors and manufacturers in Wisconsin looking to export their products soon will be able to access direct consultations through the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association.

The WCMA introduced its new customized resources programming, which is funded by a $50,000 grant through the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports.

As dairy businesses embark on new exporting ventures, the WCMA program will help facilitate those efforts with what the association described as personalized consultative services.

The first steps of the new programming involve an export workshop, which the WCMA plans to hold later in 2022. The workshop will serve as an educational introduction to exporting dairy products. Additionally, the WCMA shared that it will create an online space for accessing export resources, which will include a database of contacts.

“Wisconsin cheesemakers are known for the quality and safety of their products, and are well-positioned to grow those sales worldwide,” said WCMA executive director John Umhoefer. “We’re excited to offer new, tailored services to help them kick-start their exporting endeavors. We know that as dairy processors connect with customers overseas, they’ll help to ensure the long-term stability of the dairy supply chain here at home.”

The WAIE in total put $5 million toward boosting exports, including dairy, meat and other products. The state’s initiative was designed to increase such exports by 25% over the course of the coming five years.