The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Organic On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant program, which will provide grants for organic dairy farmers to access funds that support the purchase of equipment and other related costs that will improve milk storage, handling, and energy efficiencies.

Applicants may select from a pre-approved list of eligible equipment and supplies. Projects funded by this grant will streamline milk pick up, create efficiencies around milk storage, and improve handling for both farmers and their processors. Successful applications will show reduced costs to the farmer and will improve efficiencies around the movement of milk, reduce frequency of milk pick up, and/or otherwise meet processors' needs for improved storage and handling. Priority will be given to farmers that are transitioning to a new processor for investments they need to make to meet their new processor's requirements.

Grants are available to applicants in all 11 Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

This Limited English Proficiency (LEP) plan was developed to ensure equal access to services provided by the VT Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) for persons with limited English proficiency. LEP persons are defined as individuals who do not speak English as their primary language, and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English.