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. Access full details and Requests for Applications online at nedairyinnovation.com/grants
Open Funding Opportunities:
On-Farm Milk Storage and Handling Grant
This program will provide grants for dairy farmers to access funds that support the purchase of equipment and other related costs that will improve milk storage, handling, and energy efficiencies. The focus of this grant is on the purchase of specialized equipment. Applicants may select from a pre-approved list of eligible equipment. Projects funded by this grant will streamline milk pick up, create efficiencies around milk storage, and improve handling for both farmers and their processors.
The application period is open until December 5, 2024 at 2 PM ET. Awards range from $15,000 to $50,000 with a 25% match commitment. Approximately $1,500,00 in total funds are available this round.
Dairy Farm Improvement and Modernization Grant
This program provides grants to dairy farmers or farmer groups, working with technical assistance providers, producer associations, or milk buyers, to make improvements to farm systems or operations to support long-term farm viability. Projects may cover topics such as upgrading outdated production practices or specialized equipment (e.g., milking systems, animal comfort, water and nutrition management, manure handling); implementing farm-scale technology and green innovations; transitioning to group calf housing; developing collaborative/cooperative milk production models; increasing engagement of new and young farmers; exploring alternative ownership/management models; piloting new technologies with support from technical assistance; or creating a culture of continuous improvement.
Funds may be used for specialized equipment, training, consultant or technical assistance costs, but may not be used for construction or farm systems that do not impact dairy operations. Applications will be more competitive with evidence of 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 Request for Applications (RFA) will be released December 10. Awards will range from $15,000 – $100,000 with a 25% in-kind and/or cash match contribution. Approximately $950,000 in total funds are available this round.
Upcoming Funding Opportunities:
Dairy Co-Packing Grant
This grant will provide funds for existing Northeast dairy processors to initiate new co-packing arrangements or to expand existing co-packing capabilities. 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.
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 seek technical assistance or training as a subset of their funds for their projects.
The RFA will be released in January. Awards will range from $15,000 – $150,000 with a 25% in-kind and/or cash match contribution. Approximately $1,100,000 in total funds are available this round.