Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
Organization Overview
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is a government agency dedicated to supporting the state's agricultural economy, ensuring consumer protection, and promoting Wisconsin’s agricultural products worldwide. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, DATCP plays a pivotal role in fostering economic development, safeguarding public health, and ensuring environmental sustainability across the state’s agricultural and trade sectors.
Core Programs and Services
DATCP’s diverse portfolio of services includes:
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Agricultural Programs:
- Dairy Processor Grants: Financial support for modernization and innovation in Wisconsin’s dairy sector.
- Meat Processor Grants: Funding to expand processing capacity and market access.
- Export Expansion Programs: Assistance for Wisconsin agribusinesses seeking international trade opportunities.
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Consumer Protection Services:
- Complaint Resolution: Handling over 10,000 consumer complaints annually.
- Fraud Prevention: Monitoring and enforcement to protect consumers from deceptive practices.
- Educational Resources: Publications, workshops, and outreach programs for consumer awareness.
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Trade and Market Development:
- Something Special from Wisconsin™: A state branding program promoting Wisconsin-made products.
- International Trade Missions: Facilitating connections between Wisconsin exporters and global buyers.
- Wisconsin Pavilion Support: Representation at global trade shows (e.g., SIAL, Anuga, Gulfood).
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Food Safety and Inspection:
- Licensing and inspection services for over 14,000 food businesses, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Food safety training and technical support.
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Animal Health Services:
- Disease control and surveillance for livestock and companion animals.
- Veterinary services and diagnostic support.
- Livestock identification programs for traceability.
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Environmental Stewardship:
- Nutrient management and conservation practices.
- Pesticide use regulation and education.
- Soil and water resource protection initiatives.
Specialization and Core USP
DATCP is uniquely positioned as a comprehensive regulatory and support agency offering:
- Holistic Support: From food safety oversight to trade promotion and consumer education.
- Statewide Impact: Serving over 64,000 farms, 1,200 food processors, and numerous small businesses in Wisconsin.
- Economic Driver: Facilitating $3.5 billion in annual agricultural exports and supporting Wisconsin’s $104 billion agriculture industry.
- Innovative Programs: Developing targeted grant programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promoting sustainability and competitiveness.
Financial and Market Impact
- Dairy Processor Grants: $1.5 million allocated in 2024, supporting over 20 projects.
- Meat Processor Grants: $1 million in 2024, enhancing local processing capabilities.
- Export Program Support: Over 150 Wisconsin companies participated in international trade missions in 2024.
- Consumer Protection: Recovered over $2 million in refunds and restitution for consumers in 2024.
Target Audience
DATCP serves a broad stakeholder base, including:
- Farmers and Agribusinesses: Dairy, meat, crop producers, and food processors.
- Exporters: Companies seeking to expand into global markets.
- Consumers: Residents of Wisconsin benefiting from educational resources and consumer protection services.
- Industry Associations: Collaborating on policy advocacy and market development.
- Government Entities: Federal and state agencies, local governments, and international trade partners.
Capabilities
DATCP’s core capabilities include:
- Regulatory Authority: Enforcing food safety, animal health, and trade compliance standards.
- Program Administration: Managing grant programs, certifications, and technical assistance.
- Trade Promotion: Organizing Wisconsin Pavilions at major trade shows and connecting exporters with buyers.
- Public Engagement: Educational campaigns, publications, and community outreach.
- Crisis Response: Coordinating rapid responses to food safety incidents, disease outbreaks, and consumer fraud cases.
Certifications and Compliance
DATCP operates under rigorous standards, including:
- USDA and FDA Partnerships: For food safety and inspection programs.
- Animal and Plant Health Regulations: In compliance with federal guidelines.
- State Statutes: Upholding Wisconsin laws governing agriculture, trade, and consumer protection.
Customer Testimonials
While individual testimonials are not published, DATCP’s long-standing reputation and ongoing collaborations with Wisconsin’s agricultural stakeholders, industry associations, and consumer groups demonstrate its effectiveness and trustworthiness.
Major Achievements
- Expansion of the 'Something Special from Wisconsin™' Program: Over 500 member companies as of 2025.
- Export Growth: Facilitated a 12% increase in Wisconsin agricultural exports from 2023 to 2024.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Implemented nutrient management plans on 1.5 million acres of farmland in 2024.
- Consumer Protection Impact: Resolved over 10,000 complaints and prevented fraudulent losses in the millions.
- Industry Leadership: Recognized as a model for state-level agricultural and trade support programs.
Note: All information is based on publicly available data as of May 2025.
