The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $11.04 million in funding to support small and mid-sized dairy businesses under its Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement today at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, highlighting the USDA’s commitment to strengthening the dairy sector’s competitiveness and promoting economic growth.
"USDA is committed to helping America's dairy industry remain competitive as they work hard to provide necessary, nutritious dairy products to communities nationwide," said Vilsack. "Through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, we aim to help the dairy industry access new and better markets, spur innovation, and create economic growth."
The DBI program aims to help dairy producers and businesses develop, produce, market, and distribute dairy products by providing technical assistance and financial support. This year’s funds will be distributed noncompetitively to four regional initiatives at California State University, Fresno; the University of Tennessee; the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets; and the University of Wisconsin. The initiatives will use the funding to support business plan development, marketing, and branding, as well as expand access to innovative production and processing techniques.
Key project highlights:
Pacific Coast coalition (California, Oregon, Washington): Awarded $690,000 to help farmers tap into higher-value markets such as artisanal cheeses and organic dairy products, and continue workforce training programs to diversify markets and income.
University of Tennessee (Southeast): Granted $3.45 million to support farmers across 12 states, focusing on dairy innovation, product safety, farm sustainability, and workforce development.
Vermont dairy business innovation center (Northeast): Received $3.45 million to expand its efforts, which have already supported 333 projects aimed at farm modernization and energy efficiency improvements, promoting resilience in the region’s dairy sector.
Dairy business innovation alliance (Midwest): Awarded $3.45 million to provide grants and technical assistance to dairy farmers and processors, with a focus on market expansion and value-added product innovation.
Since its inception, the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative has invested over $64 million into more than 600 projects nationwide, helping boost dairy supply chain resiliency and support rural economies.
For more information on the program and how to apply, visit the AMS Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives webpage.
About USDA's dairy business innovation initiative
The DBI program, administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), aims to support U.S. food and agricultural market opportunities while increasing consumer access to fresh, healthy foods through applied research, technical services, and congressionally funded grants. AMS also provides services to ensure the quality and availability of wholesome food for consumers and drive economic development in rural communities.
