Dairy Business Innovation Alliance Awards Grant Funds to Two Michigan Companies

The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a partnership between the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Center for Dairy Research, announced 37 grant awardees totaling $3.3 million. Two Michigan companies are among the 37 grant awardees.

"Michigan's robust dairy industry is resilient and strong even in the face of unprecedented challenges. Safe, nutritious dairy products continue to be produced and processed locally across our state," said MDARD Director Tim Boring. "Michigan's dairy industry contributes over 15 billion dollars to the state's economy, and investments like these highlight the possibility for even more economic growth. Mossy Creek Farm and Michigan Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Company are prominent examples of why Michigan is a food and agriculture destination with expanding and exciting opportunities."

The following Michigan companies were among those awarded:

• Mossy Creek Farm in Kalkaska for the expansion of artisan chevre in Northern Michigan markets 
• Michigan Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Company in Bay City for the expansion of ice cream production capacity at a new facility 

The funds are awarded as part of DBIA s Dairy Business Builder grant program. The program aims to help support small- to medium-sized dairy businesses in diversifying on-farm activity, creating value-added products, enhancing dairy by-products, and creating or enhancing dairy export programs. Reimbursement grants of up to $100,000 each are awarded following a competitive review process.

DBIA is funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture award intended to drive dairy business innovation and make the industry more robust and resilient. Including the awards listed above, since its inception as part of the 2018 Farm Bill, the DBIA has awarded 213 grants totaling more than $16.5 million to dairy businesses in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The program also offers technical assistance and education to dairy farmers and processors in the region.

The next DBIA grant application period will open in August 2024.