Dairy Business Builder Grant Now Accepting Applications

By Lynsey Mukomel

Michigan dairy farms and producers can once again apply for funding to support and grow their operations, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring announced today.

The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) which MDARD joined in Sept. 2022 is now accepting applications for the Dairy Business Builder Grant opportunity. The grant encourages small and medium-sized dairy farmers, entrepreneurs, and processors in the Midwest to pursue projects such as dairy farm diversification, on-farm processing, value-added product creation, and efforts to market dairy products for export.

"The dairy industry in Michigan continuously makes a large economic impact while providing nutritious products across the state,"  said Director Boring. "This funding will support growth and sustainability, so we're encouraging dairy farms, processors and producers to apply."

Since its creation in the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, the DBIA has awarded over 250 grants totaling more than $20 million to dairy businesses within the Midwest service area. Reimbursement grants of up to $100,000 each will be awarded to different dairy businesses after a competitive review process.

During previous rounds of funding, 44 businesses were awarded over $3.5 million. Two Michigan companies were among those awarded during the last round: Leelanau Cheese Company and Reny Picot Old Europe Cheese, Inc. Information on previous award recipients is located on the grant website.

Applicants are encouraged to attend a webinar for the Dairy Business Builder Grant that will take place Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 1 p.m. Central Time. Registration for the webinar can be found on the DBIA website. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Central Time on April 2, 2025. Award announcements will occur in late May 2025.

For more information on grant opportunities and DBIA, visit the DBIA website.