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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $11.04 million in funding for dairy businesses and producers through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. The initiatives aim to support small and mid-sized dairy businesses in developing, producing, marketing, and distributing dairy products.

“USDA is dedicated to helping the dairy industry stay competitive in providing essential, nutritious dairy products to communities across the country,” said Vilsack. “Through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, we are working to help the dairy industry access new markets, foster Innovation, and drive economic growth. So far, the Initiatives have invested over $64 million in more than 600 projects that are enhancing dairy supply chain resiliency, creating new markets, and promoting economic growth in rural areas.”

This year’s funding is being awarded to the four current DBI Initiatives at California State University, Fresno, the University of Tennessee, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, and the University of Wisconsin. The initiatives will use the funding to provide technical assistance and subaward funds to dairy farmers and businesses, supporting them with business plan development, marketing, branding, and access to innovative production and processing techniques for value-added products.

Some of this year’s DBI projects include:

– The Pacific Coast Coalition in California, Oregon, and Washington will receive $690,000 to help farmers explore higher-value uses for milk like artisanal cheeses and organic dairy products, along with workforce training to enhance competitiveness.
– The University of Tennessee will use $3.45 million to support farmers across 12 states in integrating innovative practices to improve financial outcomes and diversify the dairy supply chain.
– Vermont’s Dairy Business Innovation Center will use $3.45 million to extend support for farm modernization and efficiency improvements.
– The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance in Wisconsin will use $3.45 million to empower dairy farmers and processors in the Midwest with grant programs and technical assistance.

More information can be found on the AMS Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives webpage. Interested dairy farmers and businesses should contact the appropriate initiative for consideration for technical assistance or a subaward.

AMS supports U.S. food and agricultural product market opportunities, increasing consumer access to fresh, healthy foods through research, technical services, and grants. AMS programs create marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops while ensuring quality food for consumers. USDA’s efforts in transforming America’s food system include a focus on resilient local and regional food production, fair markets, access to safe and nutritious food, new income streams for farmers, investments in rural infrastructure and clean energy, and equity across the Department.

Stay updated on Agricultural Marketing Service news at www.ams.usda.gov/news.

USDA is committed to equal opportunity in providing, employment, and lending services.

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