Millions of dollars that were once promised to dairy farmers around the country have now been paused. The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) took action by sending a letter to the USDA calling for a release of those funds.
The freeze jeopardizes nearly $30 million in grant funding for Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI), and impacts more than 400 dairy businesses nationwide.
“Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives are all about dairy industry growth, and pausing this funding limits that growth, but more importantly, it jeopardizes the future of these businesses,” said Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA senior director of programs and policy.
DBI projects are taken on by smaller scale dairy businesses looking to expand production and improve their facilities.
Andy Hatch is one Wisconsin farmer who is now feeling that pressure.
“The one thing we assumed we could trust was the word of the federal government,” said Hatch.
Hatch is the owner and cheese maker at Uplands Cheese in Dodgeville.
He received a $100,000 grant from the USDA to make improvements at his farm.
“That money was promised to us in May of 2024 and our project hinged on that funding,” said Hatch. “Without it, it’s not clear at all if we’ll be able to proceed.”
Hatch has already sunk about $50,000 of his own money into the project at his farm. The federal grant funding was going to reimburse him.
As a small business owner looking to grow, Hatch said he feels paralyzed by the funding freeze. He hopes it’s just temporary.
“This has thrown a wrench into a set of gears that extends far beyond just our farm,” Hatch said.
The USDA has not responded to a request for comment.
You can now read the most important #news on #eDairyNews #Whatsapp channels!!!
🇺🇸 eDairy News INGLÊS: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKsjzGDTkJyIN6hcP1K
