USDA releases funds for dairy innovation centers
WASHINGTON — The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) released March 7 Congress-controlled funding for the federal Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) program, days after Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and other industry organizations and leaders called for the unfreezing of key grants that support the US dairy industry.
WCMA shared news of the swift resolution Friday, applauding the release of grant funds that four regional DBI centers had awarded – a total of $11.04 million obligated in 2024 – to dairy farms and processors.
President Donald Trump had implemented freezes on some federal funding, leading to what WCMA’s leadership described as “grave concern for hundreds of dairy farmers and processors,” and a resulting national advocacy push to unfreeze the funds.
"The release of this critical grant funding comes as an enormous relief to dairy farmers and processors who had earned grants and needed reimbursement from USDA for business improvements already made,” WCMA senior director of programs and policy Rebekah Sweeney said.
“We want to express our thanks for USDA’s expedited review of this program and today’s decision, and thanks to the dairy leaders who pushed to secure all committed funds, and to the members of Congress who championed our cause,” Sweeney added, singling out Wisconsin’s Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Rep. Derrick Van Orden.
The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance, which WCMA runs with the Center for Dairy Research, is one of the four regional hubs created by the 2018 Farm Bill. Other DBI centers are located in California, Tennessee and Vermont. The centers serve dairy farmers and businesses with technical assistance, market analysis, research and development, and direct-to-business grants.
WCMA shared that all four centers were notified of the funds being released, and said a total of 420 dairy farmers and processors had been impacted by the freeze, with funds totaling $28.6 million.
The association said advocacy efforts this past week included WCMA staff, dairy processors and members of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) meeting with congressional leaders in Washington. WCMA communicated with USDA leaders and coordinated a letter to the federal agency from 120 businesses in 29 states.
“The targeted, small-dollar investments in dairy businesses provided through DBI have helped to stabilize and strengthen our nation’s food supply chain and rural economies,” Sweeney said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work and will push for increased DBI funding in the year ahead, alongside our allies in industry and in Congress.”