By Katie Spring, Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center
At the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC), 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.
But what does that look like on the ground? Here’s the impact, by the numbers:
- As of June 30, 2023, NE-DBIC awarded 86 grants and contracts across Vermont.
- That adds up to $5,015,404 in funding for Vermont dairy farmers, processors, and service providers.
- An estimated $1.6 million revenue will be generated by the VT dairy sector as a result of these grants.
Dairy farms and processors of all sizes have received funding across our grant programs, including On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling, Food Safety & Certification, Agritourism, Marketing & Branding Services, Farm Innovation, and Processor Research & Development Innovation.
Bridgman Hill Farm of the Oak Knoll goat milk brand has seen these revenue increases firsthand thanks to a Dairy Marketing and Branding Grant. “Since receiving the NE-DBIC grant and subsequently rebranding the Oak Knoll Dairy bottles, sales have increased by 75% in terms of total milk volume bottled weekly,” they reported.
NE-DBIC grants create benefits beyond increased sales. Bedrock Farm, a recipient of the On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant, has seen improved milk quality thanks to their new system. As a result, they reported that “the project has improved and strengthened the business relationship our farm has with both our milk processor and its hauling contractor."
E.B. Flory, Dairy Section Chief at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, saw a state-wide effect of the Milk Storage & Handling Grant in the direct aftermath of July’s severe weather and floods. “Three days [milk] storage is a significant game changer. In a time of crisis, that extra day [of storage]...kept us from seeing large amounts of milk being dumped,” she said.
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.
Current Grants for Dairy Processors Across the Northeast
By Ali Boochever, Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center
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 upcoming grants for cow, goat, and sheep dairy farmers. Look for the Request for Applications (RFA) for the grants below this fall, plus our full funding calendar, on our website: nedairyinnovation.com/grants
Upcoming Opportunity: Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant
This grant for dairy farmers will fund a wide range of projects that prioritize long term farm viability and climate/economic resilience. 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.
This grant is expected to be released in October 2023. 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.
Upcoming Opportunity: 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 streamlined milk pickup, efficient milk storage, and improved handling abilities for both farmers and their processors.
The RFA for this application is expected to be released in November 2023. 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.
For more information about these grants, contact the NE-DBIC team at agr.dairyinnovation@vermont.gov