By Kim Burns, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
As we come into the colder seasons, The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is excitedly preparing for multiple funding opportunities that will serve dairy farms and processors in our region. Be sure to frequently check the NE-DBIC website for additional information and to stay-up-to date on these opportunities in the coming months. https://agriculture.vermont.gov/dbic/grants
Grants for Dairy Farms
- On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant (Now Accepting Applications): This grant program provides dairy farmers with funds that support the purchase of equipment and supplies to improve milk storage, handling, and energy efficiencies. Applicants will be able to select from a list of eligible equipment. This request for applications will be open until Oct. 6. Grants will range from $15,000- $50,000 with a 25% match commitment. Match waivers are available.
- Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant: The NE-DBIC will be offering grants to support food safety projects including specialized equipment purchase, supplies, food safety training, and certifications. Priority will be given to projects that are utilizing food safety improvements to access new markets. This grant will be released in October. Grants of $10,000 - $40,000 with a 25% match commitment.
- Dairy Farm Innovation Grant: Projects funded through this grant will fund a wide range of projects across farm production and business operation models that support the implementation of community- and climate-forward production strategies. The scope of this grant will take a whole farm system approach and increase collaboration with other farms or dairy sector stakeholders. This grant will be released in October. Grants will range from $10,000 to $75,000 with a 25% match commitment required.
Grants for Dairy Processors
- Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant: The NE-DBIC will be offering grants to support food safety projects including specialized equipment purchase, supplies, food safety training, and certifications. Priority will be given to projects that are utilizing food safety improvements to access new markets. This grant will be released in October. Grants of $10,000 - $40,000 with a 25% match commitment.
- Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant: This grant will be split into multiple funding tiers to accommodate processors of all scales. Projects will focus on acquiring specialized equipment needed to increase the processing capacity of regionally produced milk and other activities to support expansion to meet demand. This grant opportunity will be released in January.
- Dairy Processor Innovation Grant: Projects funded through this program will support long term business investments that increase dairy processor business consumer appeal and marketability of value-added dairy products. Project areas can address sourcing, product development, transportation/distribution, marketing/supply chain, operations, employee welfare, consumer experience, utilization of materials or systems that reduce carbon footprint, and beyond. This grant opportunity will be released in January.
Service Provider Funding
- The Dairy Farm Cohort Technical Assistance Program is expanding. Service Providers will be able to submit proposals to develop cohorts of dairy farmers to address relevant areas of technical assistance their region. Building on the success of eight current cohorts funded by NE-DBIC, service providers can submit proposals for projects up to $150,000. Topics can focus on grazing, forage enhancement, innovative farm practices, marketing, and/or other areas of support for farmers. This RFP has a deadline of Sept. 16.
- Dairy Farm Production Education funding will also be available for service providers and dairy producer associations to develop events, webinars, educational series, or conferences to increase farmer-focused production and business viability education. Proposals accepted for projects up to $35,000. This RFP also has a deadline of Sept. 16.
Questions? Contact Kathryn Donovan: kathryn.donovan@vermont.gov or Laura laura.ginsburg@vermont.gov.