With dairy business serving as a vital part of Wisconsin’s economy, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and Center for Dairy Research (CDR) were among those applauding Congress for the $23 million in federal funding it directed to the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative.
“We are excited to put this investment to work, strengthening dairy farms and processors and rural communities throughout the Midwest,” said John Umhoefer, WCMA Executive Director. “Our sincerest thanks go to the Biden Administration, including Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Congressional leaders like Senator Tammy Baldwin for again championing support for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative.”
Awarded as part of the federal omnibus spending package approved by the United States Senate and House, the funding also includes an expected $7.67 million for the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) in the Midwest.
Since it was created in the 2018 Farm Bill, DBIA has administered over $7 million in grants to more than 88 dairy farms and processors, a release explained. The organization serves an over 11-state region, including Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Overall, the regions that DBIA serves represent 35 percent of the nation’s milk production and 50 percent of its dairy farms.
“This additional funding is an investment in the long-term success of the U.S. dairy industry, providing critical research dollars and direct-to-business grants that support new export endeavors, the creation of value-added dairy products, and the diversification of revenue streams for family-owned dairy farms,” said John Lucey, CDR Director.
With this newly allocated funding, how will WCMA, CDR, and DBIA drive forward dairy innovation and growth? Stick with Deli Market News to find out.
