By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) has welcomed a new round of federal support following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement of more than $11 million in funding for Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives.
The funding will be distributed among four regional centers that provide technical assistance and direct grants to dairy farmers and processors, including the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), led by WCMA in partnership with the Center for Dairy Research (CDR).
“This funding recognizes the success of our work to help processors and farmers adapt, innovate, and grow in challenging times,” said WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer. “Through DBIA, we’ve delivered more than $24 million in grants to dairy businesses across the Midwest, and this new award allows us to continue supporting small and mid-sized processors as they strengthen markets for milk and build long-term resilience.”
Under the latest award, DBIA is eligible to receive $3.45 million to support product research and development, educational programming, technical assistance, and direct grants for dairy businesses across 12 Midwestern states. Since 2018, DBIA has awarded nearly 300 grants and provided consulting and educational services to hundreds of dairy operations.
"The CDR is delighted to continue this partnership with the WCMA on the DBIA program, which has a proven track record of supporting innovation and growth for farmsteads and smaller dairy businesses throughout our region,” said CDR Director John Lucey.
The DBI program was created under the 2018 Farm Bill and has received continued bipartisan support from lawmakers committed to strengthening the U.S. dairy sector.
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Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy, Livestock