The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled $23 million in grant funding to bolster the U.S. dairy industry. The funds will be allocated towards processing capacity expansion, on-farm improvements, and technical assistance services through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives.
These initiatives play a crucial role in providing dairy farmers and businesses across the country with essential support. They help in areas such as business plan development, marketing, branding, and access to innovative production and processing techniques, with a focus on the creation of value-added products.
USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Jenny Lester Moffitt, emphasized the local and regional impact of these initiatives. By channeling funding strategically, they can make significant improvements to the U.S. dairy supply chain, particularly benefiting small and mid-sized dairy operations.
The grant funding will be awarded noncompetitively to the existing initiatives located at California State University Fresno, the University of Tennessee, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, and the University of Wisconsin. Interested dairy farmers and businesses should contact the relevant initiative directly to be considered for technical assistance or a subaward.
Applicants are encouraged to prioritize activities that support smaller farms, new and beginning farmers, underserved producers, veterans, low-income and minority individuals, as well as underserved communities. Partnerships with minority-serving higher education institutions are also encouraged.
The application deadline for the funding is August 10, 2023, and submissions must be made electronically through grants.gov. The USDA promotes climate-resilient landscapes and rural economic systems; therefore, applicants are encouraged to integrate goals and activities related to climate change adaptation and greenhouse gas reduction into their project proposals.
For more information, please contact IPPGrants@usda.gov.
Photo Credit: USDA
Categories: Iowa, Business, Government & Policy, Livestock, Dairy Cattle