AM22DBIVT1015

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center's application for funding focuses on continued support for resiliency and climate-forward dairy supply chain improvements. Opportunities are focused on farm and processing business viability, with a critical eye towards continuous improvement and shared learning. As the organic and conventional markets remain under stress from market volatility, inflation, and global supply chain issues, it is increasingly important to support a regional approach to dairy systems.

Grant-funded activities are focused in three primary areas: farm investments, processing investments, and workforce development. Similar to many other industries, labor issues are top of mind for both farms and processors across the region. The funding in this application builds on foundational support for workforce development implemented in the special ARPA round of funds and will engage a regional network of stakeholders to build out responsive training opportunities.

Over $5.8 million will be awarded competitively through numerous subawards to dairy farms and processors, as they are the primary beneficiaries of this work. Subawards are used to fund the purchase of new equipment, develop innovative packaging solutions, for education and training, and to develop new systems or practices that support business success. Expected outcomes include job creation and maintenance, increased sales through existing or new market channels, new partnerships that result in higher profits, expanded infrastructure, and increased utilization of regional milk. The NE DBIC also measures outcomes related to subrecipient education, satisfaction, and future outlook.

Food & Markets, Vermont Agency Of Agriculture

10.176 - Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives

Dairy Program [USDA - AMS]

Vermont United States

State-Wide

USDA-AMS-TM-DBII-G-22-0008 (USDA-AMS-TM-DBII-G-22-0008)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 100% from $7,053,333 to $14,106,667.