What could a $1 million contribution do for our industry? We are about to find out, as the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) is making an impact on the dairy and cheese sectors through its Dairy Industry Impact grants. DBIA, a partnership between the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), will be providing Midwest dairy companies with a combined $1 million in funding to further advance the industry.
“These grants could assist our industry with exploring new concepts such as sustainable packaging, tracking methods to connect consumers directly to the farm and cheese plant, reducing food waste, and equipment to improve fines recovery from soft cheese types,” said CDR Director John Lucey.
The Dairy Industry Impact grant program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and supports medium to large dairy companies that develop an innovative idea or tackle a challenge with the potential to advance the dairy industry. According to a press release, the program awards reimbursable grants of up to $250,000 for USDA-eligible expenses related to a company’s proposed project. As part of the program, grant recipients must be willing to share the results of their projects.
In its second round of Dairy Industry Impact grants awarded by DBIA, the organization has identified six projects that can positively impact the dairy industry.
“DBIA supports projects designed to spur new growth and boost profitability not just for individual businesses, but for the greater dairy industry. WCMA is pleased to support farmers, manufacturers, [and] processors in their efforts to strengthen dairy’s future,” said WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer.
The recipients of the 2022 Dairy Industry Impact grants include:
Congratulations to each of these companies for receiving the funds needed to advance their innovative strategies and efforts! Stay tuned to DMN as we report on more dairy industry developments.
