By Ali Boochever, Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center at VAAFM
As part of an ongoing effort to increase sustainability and resilience of the dairy supply chain across our 11-state region, the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces two current and one upcoming grants for cow, goat, and sheep dairy farmers. Look for the Request for Applications (RFA) for the grants below this month, plus our full funding calendar, on our website: nedairyinnovation.com/grants
Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant
This grant for dairy farmers will fund a wide range of projects that prioritize long term farm viability and their ability to adapt to climate and economic challenges. Projects at all stages and levels of complexity will be considered, but the most competitive projects will include direct involvement of a service provider, business planner, farm succession planner, or technical assistance provider to demonstrate a strategic, long-term approach to their grant project investment.
The application period will be open until December 7, 2023 at 2PM ET. Awards will range from $15,000 - $100,000 with a 25% match commitment.
Dairy farmers across the 11-states of the Northeast are eligible to apply. Current and former farmer participants from NE-DBIC cohort farmers will receive priority for $695,000 of the funds from this grant. Total funds available in this round: $1,495,000.
On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant
Northeast dairy farmers looking to access funds that support the purchase of equipment and other related costs that will improve milk storage, handling, and energy efficiencies will be able to apply for this upcoming funding opportunity in the fall. This grant provides funds for farmers to purchase needed supplies related to long-term farm viability including streamlined milk pickup, efficient milk storage, and improved handling abilities for both farmers and their processors.
The application period will be open until January 18, 2024. Awards will range from $15,000 to $50,000 with a 25% cash or in-kind match requirement. Total funds available in this round: $800,000.
Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant
This funding opportunity will provide grants for dairy farmers, processors, and/or producer associations to take actionable steps to improve the safety of dairy products. Projects funded through this program will support increased production safety standards with the goal of accessing new markets. Food safety activities under this grant should build upon baseline state and federal compliance requirements to further improve product consistency, safety, and quality of dairy products.
The RFA for this opportunity will be released December 12, 2023. Awards will range from $10,000 to $50,000 with a 25% cash or in-kind match requirement. Total funds available in this round: $500,000.
For more information about these grants, contact the NE-DBIC team at agr.dairyinnovation@vermont.gov