Iowa Unveils $750,000 Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant Program to Boost On-Farm Processing
Sourse: The DairyNews
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has introduced the Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant Program, a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing on-farm dairy processing, trimming farm labor costs, and broadening the accessibility of Iowa dairy products.
Authorized during the 2023 legislative session, this $750,000 grant program is overseen by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Designed to support smaller dairies and farmers, the competitive program offers matching grants of up to $100,000 per project. Drawing inspiration from the success of Iowa's recent cost-share grant programs like Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant and Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Program, it focuses on bolstering local food availability and processing capacity.
Secretary Naig highlighted, "By helping Iowa dairy farms cost-share the addition of new on-farm processing equipment or labor-saving technology through Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant Program, Iowa consumers will ultimately benefit from the availability of more Iowa-made and locally produced dairy products."
The cost-share grants can assist dairies in acquiring pasteurization equipment, processing vats, packaging, labeling products, robots, health monitoring, automated feeding systems, or cleaning assistance. However, these funds cannot be used for start-up costs, advertising, public relations, salary/benefits/wages, existing debt, or any expenses incurred before grant approval.
Example scenarios eligible for cost-share grants include Farmer A purchasing a $120,000 rotary cup filling machine for yogurt. Farmer A requests $60,000 and must provide a matching $60,000 in personal cash or financing. Similarly, Farmer B seeks $32,500 for health monitoring equipment and must match it with $32,500 in funding. Farmer C, purchasing two robotic milkers for $380,000, can apply for up to $100,000 and must provide the remaining $280,000.
Successful applicants must be located in Iowa, have fewer than 50 employees, and maintain good standing with relevant regulatory agencies. Eligibility is limited to dairies permitted and inspected by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Comprehensive details about the cost-share grant program, including financial matching requirements, application, eligibility, and scoring, are accessible on the Choose Iowa website.
Applications are accepted through the online portal on the Choose Iowa website until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024. Grant recipients will be unveiled in March 2024. For inquiries about the Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Fund Grant Program, contact Choose Iowa Director Beth Romer at chooseiowagrant@iowaagriculture.gov.
About the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship:
Led by Secretary Mike Naig, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship serves both rural and urban residents in Iowa. Comprising 14 diverse bureaus, the Department ensures animal health, food safety, and consumer protection. It actively promotes conservation efforts to preserve land and enhance water quality for future generations. Learn more at iowaagriculture.gov.
Secretary Naig highlighted, "By helping Iowa dairy farms cost-share the addition of new on-farm processing equipment or labor-saving technology through Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant Program, Iowa consumers will ultimately benefit from the availability of more Iowa-made and locally produced dairy products."
The cost-share grants can assist dairies in acquiring pasteurization equipment, processing vats, packaging, labeling products, robots, health monitoring, automated feeding systems, or cleaning assistance. However, these funds cannot be used for start-up costs, advertising, public relations, salary/benefits/wages, existing debt, or any expenses incurred before grant approval.
Example scenarios eligible for cost-share grants include Farmer A purchasing a $120,000 rotary cup filling machine for yogurt. Farmer A requests $60,000 and must provide a matching $60,000 in personal cash or financing. Similarly, Farmer B seeks $32,500 for health monitoring equipment and must match it with $32,500 in funding. Farmer C, purchasing two robotic milkers for $380,000, can apply for up to $100,000 and must provide the remaining $280,000.
Successful applicants must be located in Iowa, have fewer than 50 employees, and maintain good standing with relevant regulatory agencies. Eligibility is limited to dairies permitted and inspected by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Comprehensive details about the cost-share grant program, including financial matching requirements, application, eligibility, and scoring, are accessible on the Choose Iowa website.
Applications are accepted through the online portal on the Choose Iowa website until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024. Grant recipients will be unveiled in March 2024. For inquiries about the Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Fund Grant Program, contact Choose Iowa Director Beth Romer at chooseiowagrant@iowaagriculture.gov.
About the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship:
Led by Secretary Mike Naig, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship serves both rural and urban residents in Iowa. Comprising 14 diverse bureaus, the Department ensures animal health, food safety, and consumer protection. It actively promotes conservation efforts to preserve land and enhance water quality for future generations. Learn more at iowaagriculture.gov.
