MADISON, WIS. — As the World Dairy Expo wrapped Oct. 4, United States secretary of agriculture Tom Vilsack highlighted how the latest round of US Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding for the Dairy Business Innovation grant program – worth $11.04 million – will support industry businesses and producers.

The grant money will go to DBI initiatives in place at California State University, Fresno; University of Tennessee; Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets; and University of Wisconsin.

USDA noted that the four programs will use the funding to provide technical assistance and subaward funds to dairy operations within their respective regions. Dairy farmers and businesses may receive support from the initiatives for business plan development, marketing and branding, and developing value-added products.

Vilsack said USDA is committed to helping the US dairy industry remain competitive.

"Through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, we aim to help the dairy industry access new and better market, spur innovation and create economic growth,” he said. “To date, the initiatives have invested over $64 million into more than 600 projects that are increasing dairy supply chain resiliency, creating new markets and expanding economic growth in rural economies.”

The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) based in Wisconsin is administered by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and Center for Dairy Research. DBIA will have $3.45 million to support Midwest dairy farmers and processors.

WCMA senior director of programs and policy Rebekah Sweeney said DBIA was thrilled to continue helping dairy businesses in the region innovate and thrive.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), who helped secure funding for the four DBI programs as part of the 2018 Farm Bill, said DBIA grants already have helped dairy farmers, producers and cheesemakers grow their operations, tap into new markets and create new products.

“Traveling the state, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of this funding – from helping a local cheese processor triple production, to adding value to a seventh-generation dairy farm,” Baldwin said. “Today’s announcement is exciting news for Wisconsin – allowing more dairy businesses get the resources they need to grow our economy and continue Wisconsin’s legacy of America’s Dairyland.”

The Pacific Coast Coalition plans to use $690,000 to help dairy farmers tap into higher value uses for milk, including artisanal cheese and organic dairy. Additionally, the coalition has a workforce training program designed to keep businesses competitive.

At the University of Tennessee, $3.45 million for dairy farmers in 12 Southeast states will go toward helping them integrate innovative practices that impact product safety, sustainability and workforce development.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, recipient of $3.45 million in funds, plans to extend its reach while supporting farm modernization and boosting efficiency in the region’s dairy sector.