“USDA is committed to helping America’s dairy industry remain competitive as they work hard to provide necessary, nutritious dairy products to communities nationwide,” Vilsack said. “Through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, we aim to help the dairy industry access new and better markets, spur innovation, and create economic growth. To date, the Initiatives have invested over $64 million into more than 600 projects that are increasing dairy supply chain resiliency, creating new markets, and expanding economic growth in rural economies.”

The new funding will be awarded noncompetitively to the four existing programs. The DBIA will be eligible for approximately $3.5 million to continue assisting dairy farmers, manufacturers, and processors with business plan development, marketing and branding support, and access to capital for innovative projects.

“The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance has created new opportunity for Midwestern dairy businesses to innovate and thrive. We’re thrilled to continue that critical work, strengthening not only farms and processors but also rural communities, and we thank U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin for her consistent and impactful support,” said WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney,” said WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney.