By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) is praising the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture for including increased funding for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII) in their Farm Bill proposal.
The DBII program provides education, research, and grants to dairy farmers and processors. WCMA sees this funding as critical to ensure the stability and strength of the U.S. dairy industry, especially in the face of ongoing market challenges and new threats like avian influenza.
"We are grateful to the Senate committee for recognizing the significant impact of DBII," said Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy. The proposed $36 million in annual funding would be a major boost to the program.
WCMA, along with the Center for Dairy Research, manages the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), one of four DBII centers nationwide. Since its launch in 2018, DBII has directed $165 million to support dairy businesses.
"These grants have been essential for our farmer-owners," said Adam Warthesen of WCMA Organic Valley. "DBII funding allows dairy businesses to innovate, strengthening both the national food supply chain and rural communities."
Dairy business owners like Orphee Paillotin of Alpinage Cheese and Ian Behm of Pine River Pre-Pack shared how DBII grants have been instrumental in their success. Paillotin used grant funding to build a new cheese processing business, while Behm was able to invest in crucial equipment for his family-owned operation.
WCMA emphasizes that DBII is a catalyst for growth, promoting on-farm diversification, new value-added dairy products, and export opportunities. They urge the House Agriculture Committee to follow suit and secure the program's future. The association is also encouraging the dairy industry to advocate for DBII funding by contacting their Congressional representatives.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-yuriys
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Dairy Cattle