By Katie Spring, Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center
At the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-), we support dairy farmers and processors through grants, access to technical services, education, and events that promote the development, production, marketing, and distribution of regional dairy products. Our goal: to create resiliency and long-term sustainability for Northeast dairy businesses. Here’s what that looks like in Vermont, by the numbers:
- As of April 2024, NE-DBIC has awarded 126 grants and contracts across Vermont
- The total amount awarded equals $10,259,716 in funding for Vermont dairy farmers, processors, and service providers
- The average grant award in Vermont was $93,270
Among these grants is the 2023 Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant, which saw 10 Vermont dairy processors awarded between $25,850 and $1 million. This one-time grant program provided a catalytic infusion to support regional processing capabilities that are vital for the overall dairy sector.
“The NE-DBIC grant was a godsend to our small but growing value-added dairy enterprise,” said Rich Larson of Larson Farm in Wells, VT. The farmstead creamery will replace their yogurt filler with new, more efficient equipment. “We reached a point where our current filler lacked the capacity to maintain product quality and labor efficiency, but we lacked the cash flow to purchase the needed larger filler. The new machine will enable us to improve product quality, extend shelf life, and greatly reduce labor expenses. This will help us control costs and be competitive in the broader northeast marketplace.”
In Bennington, Maplebrook Farm is expanding their production by installing new specialized equipment. “Receiving the grant will allow us to finally take the first step in a robust expansion plan to double capacity and bring new innovative products to market,” said Alex Englert of Maplebrook. “What had been an overwhelming and daunting expansion project is now underway because of this grant. We feel very grateful for the opportunity to share our cheese with more people and continue to highlight Vermont’s unparalleled milk quality.”
Cabot Creamery received funding to improve their line of Cabot Cracker Cut cheese – an item so popular that they’ve been unable to meet consumer demand. “The Processor Expansion Grant award will allow the Agri-Mark dairy cooperative to invest in new equipment that will double production capacity while improving workplace conditions,” said Jed Davis, VP of Strategic Engagement & Sustainability at Agri-Mark/Cabot. “The result is that our processing facilities will run more efficiently, our market access can expand to benefit both the Cabot brand and the dairy farm families who own it, and our loyal customers will have better access to our award-winning cheeses."
Building on the impact of the Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant, NE-DBIC will be offering a New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant this summer. With funding for projects through 2026, we look forward to continuing NE-DBIC grant programs that benefit the entire dairy sector, from farmers to processors to consumers. Learn more about our funding opportunities at nedairyinnovation.com.