Announcing the 2023 Processing Innovation Research & Development Grantees
By Katie Spring, Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center
Investing in dairy processing is a critical aspect of building a more resilient and sustainable regional dairy system, and yet the cost of implementing research and development that may lead to improved processing is often prohibitive for individual businesses.
The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation’s Processor Research & Development Innovation Grant provides funding to research alternatives to current industry standards through projects that support dairy processors in gaining knowledge that will allow them to make informed, long-term business investments with positive environmental and/or economic impacts.
This year, seven businesses across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont were granted between $79,000 and $250,000, with total overall funding of $1,063,890 for research and development innovation. Their projects range in scope from developing and enhancing novel products, to market and distribution enhancement, wastewater reclamation, bilingual education for ice cream makers, and strategic marketing.
The three Vermont grantees and their projects are:
Miller Farm, an organic dairy, will transition, in partnership with Windham Northeast Supervisory Union (WNESU), a minimum of three elementary schools and one high school from serving milk in cartons to local organic milk in bulk dispensers and establish a new scalable market model that will increase institutional demand for regional dairy products while simultaneously improving nutrition, food safety, and reducing waste in public schools.
Food Connects, a non-profit food hub, will bring more dairy producers onto the Food Connects wholesale distribution platform, increase capacity to promote and sell more dairy products, and forge new and innovative supply chains within and beyond the Northeast, with an aim to continue expanding new markets for Northeast dairy producers.
Masterful Storytelling, in partnership with Plymouth Cheese, Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co., Cabot, Grafton Village, and Jasper Hill, will research best practices in order to create a pilot program of tourism for elite cheesemongers, chefs, and food critics to learn more about Vermont Cheese and why they want to come here. Focusing on cheddar, they will introduce 3 different events to test the market for cheese tourism.
Current Grants for Dairy Farmers Across the Northeast
By Ali Boochever, Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center at VAAFM
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, 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 RFA for this grant is expected to be released October 10th, 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.
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 RFA for this application is expected to be released in early 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
Upcoming Events
DSANA Virtual Symposium: Join the Dairy Sheep Association of North America on November 8th and 9th for a virtual conference. Free to all DSANA members. Get more information at dsana.org
Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit: Save the date for NE-DBIC's regional summit, April 2nd and 3rd in Albany, NY. For more information, visit: nedairyinnovation.com/summit