Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit: The Future of Dairy
By Katie Spring, Outreach & Content Specialist at NE-DBIC
Join dairy farmers and processors in Albany, NY on April 2-3 for a summit on the future of regional dairy. Creating a resilient dairy sector that works for farmers, processors, and consumers isn’t out of reach, but it does require a multi-pronged approach and innovation across the dairy sector.
At the Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit, we’ll hear from farmers and processors on the work being done now that’s leading the way toward a profitable and resilient regional dairy sector, and we’ll identify key funding priorities for the next decade.
Workshop tracks include farm technology and climate-smart strategies to increase profit, processing expansion and packaging solutions, workforce development, and growing opportunities for goat and sheep dairy. Register today to join us in leading dairy to a future of increasing profits, climate leadership, and farmer well-being.
Learn more and register at www.nedairyinnovation.com/summit
Current & Upcoming Dairy Grants
By Ali Boochever, Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center
At the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC), our goal is to help dairy farms and processors innovate to become more sustainable and resilient. Whether you’re looking for funding to purchase specialized equipment, to implement an innovative practice, or to receive technical assistance, consider applying for an NE-DBIC grant.
Open Funding Opportunities:
Goat & Sheep Dairy Supply Chain Development Grant
This grant program will provide funds to strengthen and support the growth of the Northeast goat and sheep dairy sector through projects that address one of the following: 1) business viability, 2) market development, or 3) innovative approaches to production.
This program will fund two types of projects:
- Individual Business Projects are for farmers or processors making necessary improvements to increase business viability, market development, or innovations in production.
- Sector Enhancement Projects must directly engage multiple dairy businesses in activities which improve or expand small ruminant production practices or dairy markets. Projects should strengthen relationships across the goat/sheep dairy supply chain such as farmer-to-farmer, farmer-processor, or processor-customer relationships.
The deadline for grant applications is June 6, 2024, at 2 PM ET. Awards will range from $15,000 to $50,000 for Individual Business Grants and $25,000 to $75,000 for Sector Enhancement Grants with a 25% match commitment. Approximately $760,000 total funds available this round.
Trade Show Assistance Grant
This grant will provide funds for dairy processors and/or producer associations to exhibit and sell value-added dairy products at domestic and/or international business-to-business trade shows.
This grant will support established value-added dairy processor businesses and producer associations in increasing exposure and promotion of their regionally produced dairy products.
Grant funds will cover the cost of attending tradeshows including registration, travel, costs of product samples, production and distribution of sell-sheets and other marketing materials, professional branding and design services, trade show booth set-up, and more.
Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis until June 25, 2024. Awards will range from $5,000 to $20,000. Approximately $125,000 total funds available this round.
Upcoming Funding Opportunities:
Dairy Marketing & Branding Services Grant
This grant will provide funds for established value-added dairy processors and producer associations to access professional marketing and branding services to elevate their value-added dairy businesses. Up to 25% of the grant funds can be used to implement the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor.
The RFA for this program will be released in April, 2024. Awards will range from $10,000 to $50,000 with approximately $300,000 total funds available this round.
For more information about these grants, contact the NE-DBIC team at agr.dairyinnovation@vermont.gov
Find our full funding calendar on our website at nedairyinnovation.com/grants
Dairy Processor Start-Up & Co-packing Start-up Grant
Processor Start-up Grants will be available to dairy farmers looking to diversify by adding processing to their operation. Non-farm applicants are eligible to start up dairy processing businesses if they have established a business entity prior to applying and can demonstrate strong experience in dairy processing and value-added business start-up. Those who have started up dairy processing businesses after January 1, 2023 are eligible to apply. Grants will range from $15,000 to $75,000.
Co-packer Start-up Grants will be available to existing dairy processors only. Processors who have not previously co-packed will be eligible for funds to add co-packing capabilities to their current business. Processors that currently co-pack will be eligible for funds for activities that will add new co-packing partnerships, scale up existing co-packing relationships, or add additional co-packed product lines. Grants will range from $15,000 to $150,000.
Funds may be used to purchase specialized dairy processing equipment and/or supplies, increase food safety, marketing and branding, market access, and/or product development.
Applicants will be required to utilize technical assistance or training as a subset of their funds in their projects. Applicants are strongly encouraged to engage in technical assistance such as business planning, market research, or other relevant pre-work ahead of applying.
Grants are available to applicants in all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Full program details will be posted in summer. Approximately $1,500,000 available.