Recent funding for dairy farmers was applauded by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $12 million in federal funding for four dairy innovation centers across the U.S., including the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), which is run by WCMA and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR).
“The DBIA is delivering real successes – and more than $16 million in grants so far—to dairy businesses across the
Midwest,” said WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer. “We appreciate USDA’s ongoing support, and we’re excited to continue this critical work with our partners at CDR."
According to a press release, since DBII was launched in the 2018 Farm Bill, it has directed $165 million in federal funding to support farmers and processors.
“The Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives utilize a unique approach of providing both technical assistance and sub-awards to small and mid-sized dairy businesses,” said USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt. “Through this, the businesses are able to diversify markets and income, develop higher value uses for their milk products, and achieve higher returns.”
The new funding will be awarded to the four existing programs.
The DBIA will be eligible for approximately $3 million to support product research and development, technical assistance, education, and grants to dairy businesses.
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