$6.5M DBI Grants Released After Baldwin’s Urgent Push

By Blake Jackson

Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) successfully urged the administration to release critical funding for the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiative.

The funding, which had been approved by Congress and signed into law, was abruptly halted, impacting 88 dairy businesses, including 30 in Wisconsin.

Senator Baldwin, a staunch advocate for dairy farmers, immediately demanded the release of the $6.5 million in funding and followed up with a direct call to Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins. Following the call, Secretary Rollins confirmed the imminent release of the funds.

“Donald Trump is looking everywhere he can to find funding he can use to give tax cuts to millionaires, including stiffing hardworking Wisconsin farmers and dairy businesses,” said Senator Baldwin. “While this is welcome news, Donald Trump and Elon Musk created a totally unnecessary problem and caused undue financial stress on hardworking Wisconsin farmers who are already operating on tight margins.”

The DBI grants are crucial for dairy businesses, enabling them to diversify products, expand marketing efforts, and achieve overall growth. This funding interruption caused significant concern among recipients who rely on these funds to support their operations.

"Throughout this worrisome week, Senator Tammy Baldwin rallied Congressional allies and amplified the voices of dairy farmers and processors for the swift release of Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives funding," said Rebekah Sweeney, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association senior director of programs and policy.

"Her action has helped to save family farms, protect good-paying jobs, and provide a measure of stability for rural economic drivers in tumultuous times. We are so grateful for Senator Baldwin’s impactful leadership and consistent commitment to supporting the dairy industry.”

The funding freeze affected not only the 88 businesses awaiting reimbursements for 2023 but also jeopardized future funding for initiatives like the Wisconsin Initiative, which had already spent nearly $500,000 in anticipation of the 2024 funds.

Senator Baldwin, who championed the creation of the DBI program in the 2018 Farm Bill, continues to advocate for its expansion.

Senator Baldwin recently introduced bipartisan legislation to increase the program's annual authorization from $20 million to $36 million, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting the dairy industry.

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