Federal legislation to help dairy farmers invest in their businesses was introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate on Wednesday, and it has bipartisan support in both houses.
The Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2025 would build on the support for regional dairy research and innovation centers across the country by raising the program’s annual authorization from $20 million to $36 million. It would strengthen the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII) to help more American dairy farmers and processors add value to their businesses, including creating new products, expanding their markets, and modernizing their production facilities.
“Dairy farmers work hard every day to put out world-class products, but they face some steep challenges,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin said on a Zoom conference with media Wednesday afternoon.
Baldwin, a Wisconsin Democrat, added that a trade war would not help our farmers and processors.
“It provides valuable technical assistance and grants to farmers across the state,” Baldwin said. “Millions of dollars are being invested across the state, and helping them explore new market opportunities.”
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., is a co-sponsor. Baldwin is hopeful this proposal gets rolled into the Farm Bill.
“This bipartisan legislation makes sure this is available for years to come,” Baldwin said.
Rebekah Sweeney, senior director of programs and policy for the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, said the dollars drive rural economic development.
“It was a lifeline for many dairy businesses through the pandemic,” Sweeney said.
About $19.5 million in grants have been distributed to dairy farmers, she said. Sweeney said a boost in funding was needed.
“The Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives strengthen farmers and processors, providing greater stability in our nation’s food supply chain,” she said.
Baldwin said the money can be used to expand facilities and grow a dairy’s operations to improve packaging and lower their shipping costs.
“Our dairy farmers face unique challenges. This will help small and medium-sized dairy businesses to grow and expand,” Baldwin said.
As a result, the program has gone on to add value to the milk produced by American farmers and expand their market access, a press release states.
The legislation is endorsed by the International Dairy Foods Association, Midwest Dairy Coalition, National Milk Producers Federation, Organic Valley, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, and the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.
U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie Du Chien, and Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., also introduced the legislation in the House.
“Wisconsin’s dairy farmers are the backbone of our state’s agricultural economy,” Van Orden said in a press release. “The Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Act gives our farmers the tools they need to remain competitive and successful and ensure their ability to continue feeding the world.”
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