It’s called “The Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant.”
It will help pay for specialized equipment to assist current producers in processing dairy into saleable products, such as milk, cheese, and ice cream.
“In order to be eligible, you have to be an existing processor, which means you already have to be processing saleable product,” Laura Ginsburg, with Northeast Business Innovation Center, said.
Farmers can buy equipment, including production tools like shredders and curd mills, and things like vacuum seals and labeling machines for packaging.
The $12 million grant is fully funded by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center through the United States Department of Agriculture.
Individual farmers could potentially get up to $1 million, depending on their tier and qualifications.
They would have to provide a 25% match for the amount they get.
“Applicants will fall under one of three tiers,” said Ginsburg. “Those tiers are based on volume utilized on an average production day. What that means is if you buy in pounds of powder or milk or gallons of cream, whatever your input volume is, that is the number we’re using here.”
Jackson Ransom, whose family owns Strafford Organic Creamery, said they’re considering applying for tier three.
“My facility and a lot of other facilities are outdated in a way,” Ransom said. “Processing for everyone has gotten more complex, but it’s also gotten more expensive.”
It’s a two-step process.
The first two tier applications will be available starting tomorrow through the end of May.
The application date for the third tier is expected to open sometime at the end of March.
For more information on the grant and how to apply, click here.
