By Blake Jackson
U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have introduced the Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII).
This legislation seeks to provide further support to American dairy farmers and processors by helping them innovate, diversify, and modernize their businesses.
The program, which has already helped over 250 dairy businesses in the Midwest, including 109 in Wisconsin, has been instrumental in driving industry growth.
“My Dairy Business Innovation Initiative has helped Wisconsin dairy farmers, producers, and cheesemakers grow their operations, tap into new markets, and innovate new products,” said Senator Baldwin.
“From expanding facilities and growing their operations to improving packaging and lowering their shipping costs, this program has helped Wisconsin businesses grow their bottom lines and create jobs in our rural communities. I’m fighting to expand this vital program so more farmers, cheesemakers, and dairy processors have the tools to innovate and drive our rural economy forward.”
Since its inception, DBII has seen the establishment of regional dairy business and innovation centers, which work closely with farmers and processors to drive innovation and market expansion.
These centers provide essential assistance, including business planning, product development, and plant modernization. They also help with food safety, marketing, and distribution strategies.
The Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2025 will increase the program’s funding, raising its annual authorization from $20 million to $36 million to further support regional dairy research and innovation centers across the country.
The bill is endorsed by industry leaders such as the International Dairy Foods Association, Organic Valley, and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association.
“Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives have spurred both farm and processor business growth over the past five years, strengthening rural economies and creating career opportunities, but our work is far from done,” said Rebekah Sweeney of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. “Increased program funding is critical now as the dairy industry faces new market volatility, labor challenges, and inflation.”
“Wisconsin dairy farmers are a mainstay of our state’s rural economy and its essential we continue to support innovation in an effort to keep it relevant,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Brad Olson.
“The Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2025 will increase the funding available to dairy farmers and processors to maintain Wisconsin’s place as a national and global leader. Wisconsin Farm Bureau appreciate Sen. Baldwin’s commitment to providing the necessary funding needed to help Wisconsin’s dairy industry develop new products and access emerging markets with the introduction of the Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2025.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Dairy Cattle