Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives

The Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives connects the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) with eligible entities to host DBI Initiatives to manage the program by supporting dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products. These initiatives specifically focus on: (1) Diversifying dairy product markets to reduce risk and develop higher-value uses for dairy products; (2) Promoting business development that diversifies farmer income through processing and marketing innovation; and (3) Encouraging the use of regional milk production.

Applications will be evaluated based on the criteria established for the program and described in the RFA. The most current RFA is available via Grants.gov or www.ams.usda.gov/grants.

Fiscal year 2025: A DBI Initiative demonstrated its continued leadership in supporting regional dairy innovation. Seven dairy processors across the Northeast were awarded funding to enhance their marketing capabilities, with projects ranging from cohesive brand messaging and digital strategy development to e-commerce website launches and consumer research on cheese curd packaging. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the visibility and market reach of value-added dairy products. Concurrently, the Initiative celebrated the near completion of the 2023 Marketing & Branding Services subawards, with nine businesses advancing their branding and promotional efforts. The initiative also oversaw the successful implementation of the On-Farm Milk Storage and Handling Grant program, with 22 of 23 subrecipients completing infrastructure upgrades that improved milk quality, energy efficiency, and hauling logistics. Additionally, through a partnership, 30 small farms received critical equipment upgrades that enabled them to maintain market access and business continuity. These accomplishments were further amplified by the Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit, which convened over 200...