Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Applauds $11M in Federal Funding for Dairy Innovation
Source: DairyNews.today
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) has expressed strong support for the recent allocation of approximately $11 million in federal funding for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII), a program designed to foster growth and innovation within the dairy sector.
Announced by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin during the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, the funding will be distributed across four DBII programs, including the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) co-managed by WCMA and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR).
"USDA is committed to helping America’s dairy industry remain competitive," said Secretary Vilsack. "Through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, we aim to support the industry in accessing new markets, driving innovation, and boosting economic growth." Since its inception, DBII has invested over $64 million into more than 600 projects, strengthening dairy supply chains and expanding economic opportunities in rural areas.
The DBIA will receive a significant portion of the new funding—approximately $3.5 million—to continue supporting dairy farmers, manufacturers, and processors with essential resources such as business plan development, marketing, and access to capital for innovative projects. Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA's Senior Director of Programs & Policy, highlighted the Alliance's role in enhancing opportunities for Midwestern dairy businesses, stating, “We’re thrilled to continue this critical work, which not only strengthens farms and processors but also bolsters rural communities."
Senator Baldwin, a long-standing advocate for the DBII, underscored the impact of the program on Wisconsin’s dairy industry: “My Dairy Business Innovation Initiative has helped Wisconsin dairy farmers, producers, and cheesemakers grow, access new markets, and develop innovative products. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative effects of this funding—from tripling production at local cheese processors to adding value at a seventh-generation dairy farm. Today’s announcement is exciting news for Wisconsin, enabling dairy businesses to continue growing our economy and reinforcing our legacy as America’s Dairyland.”
Established through the 2018 Farm Bill, the DBIA offers a range of services, including product research and development, technical assistance, and educational support to dairy businesses in 11 Midwestern states. The current DBIA grant period remains open through October 23, providing small and medium-sized dairy enterprises with grants of up to $100,000. More information is available at the Center for Dairy Research website, cdr.wisc.edu/dbia.
"USDA is committed to helping America’s dairy industry remain competitive," said Secretary Vilsack. "Through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, we aim to support the industry in accessing new markets, driving innovation, and boosting economic growth." Since its inception, DBII has invested over $64 million into more than 600 projects, strengthening dairy supply chains and expanding economic opportunities in rural areas.
The DBIA will receive a significant portion of the new funding—approximately $3.5 million—to continue supporting dairy farmers, manufacturers, and processors with essential resources such as business plan development, marketing, and access to capital for innovative projects. Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA's Senior Director of Programs & Policy, highlighted the Alliance's role in enhancing opportunities for Midwestern dairy businesses, stating, “We’re thrilled to continue this critical work, which not only strengthens farms and processors but also bolsters rural communities."
Senator Baldwin, a long-standing advocate for the DBII, underscored the impact of the program on Wisconsin’s dairy industry: “My Dairy Business Innovation Initiative has helped Wisconsin dairy farmers, producers, and cheesemakers grow, access new markets, and develop innovative products. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative effects of this funding—from tripling production at local cheese processors to adding value at a seventh-generation dairy farm. Today’s announcement is exciting news for Wisconsin, enabling dairy businesses to continue growing our economy and reinforcing our legacy as America’s Dairyland.”
Established through the 2018 Farm Bill, the DBIA offers a range of services, including product research and development, technical assistance, and educational support to dairy businesses in 11 Midwestern states. The current DBIA grant period remains open through October 23, providing small and medium-sized dairy enterprises with grants of up to $100,000. More information is available at the Center for Dairy Research website, cdr.wisc.edu/dbia.
