The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment of $11.04 million to bolster the dairy industry through its Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program. The funding aims to assist small and mid-sized dairy businesses in enhancing their development, production, marketing, and distribution processes.

"USDA is committed to helping America's dairy industry remain competitive as they work hard to provide necessary, nutritious dairy products to communities nationwide," stated Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack during the announcement at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. He emphasized that the initiative's goal is to help the dairy industry access new markets, encourage innovation, and foster economic growth.

This year's funding will be distributed noncompetitively among four existing DBI Initiatives located at California State University, Fresno; the University of Tennessee; Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets; and the University of Wisconsin. These initiatives will offer technical assistance and subaward funds to regional dairy farmers and businesses for business plan development, marketing strategies, and advanced production techniques.

In specific projects funded this year:

- The Pacific Coast Coalition will use $690,000 in California, Oregon, and Washington to explore higher-value uses for milk like artisanal cheeses.

- The University of Tennessee will allocate $3.45 million across 12 states for innovations in product safety and farm sustainability.

- Vermont’s Dairy Business Innovation Center plans to utilize $3.45 million to continue supporting projects aimed at modernizing farms and improving energy efficiency.

- In Wisconsin, $3.45 million will aid the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance in expanding market opportunities through grants and technical support.

For more details on how these funds are being used or how interested parties can apply for assistance or subawards, individuals are encouraged to visit the AMS Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives webpage.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which supports this initiative, focuses on enhancing U.S. food market opportunities while promoting access to healthy foods through research and congressionally funded grants. The USDA continues its efforts under the Biden-Harris Administration to transform America's food system with a focus on resilient local food production and equitable access across communities.