New Research on Opportunities for Vermont Goat Dairy
By Katie Spring, Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center
New research on the potential for goat dairy development is now available. Funded by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center and conducted by Vermont Creamery in partnership with UVM, the goal for this work was to quantitatively and qualitatively understand the current goat dairy sector in Vermont, near-term opportunities for developing the sector, and what producers need to be successful operators.
The research looks at existing goat dairies in Vermont, from farmstead cheese producers to fluid milk producers, along with cow dairies to understand the potential for conversion or diversification. The project also explored the existing educational opportunities as well as what technical assistance and resources would help to support expansion of the goat dairy industry in Vermont. Get the key findings, recommendations to expand the goat dairy sector, and watch Vermont Creamery’s webinar on the NE-DBIC website: nedairyinnovation.com/vermont-goat-dairy-research
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 has been extended to 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.
Dairy 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 April 9, 2024. Awards will range from $10,000 to $50,000 with approximately $300,000 total funds available this round.
Dairy Processor 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.
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 early summer.
Co-packing Start-up Grant
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 winter 2024.
- 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