Dairy Farm Improvement and Modernization Grant Program (US)

Focus Areas

• This grant focuses on projects that update outdated systems or try new and innovative solutions, with the goal of enhancing farm viability, reducing climate impacts, improving milk quality or value, improving worker conditions, and strengthening the farm’s ability to respond to challenges.

Funding Information

• Total funds available: $950,000
• Awards: Awards will range from $15,000 – $100,000 with a 25% in-kind and/or cash match contribution.

Eligibility Projects

• Projects that work with experts, such as farm planners or technical assistance providers, to plan long-term improvements will be more competitive. Projects that help multiple dairy farms are also encouraged. However, projects that only replace old equipment without making other improvements will be less competitive.

Eligibility Criteria

• Grants are available to applicants in all 11 Northeast states served by NE-DBIC: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
• Applicants eligible for these funds are one or more of the following:
  • Dairy farmers (producers) that:
    • are headquartered or based in the Northeast; and
    • produce milk within the Northeast; and
    • are licensed dairy operations in compliance with all required state and/federal standards
  • Producer associations that represent, support, or promote dairy products originating from the Northeast. For the purposes of this grant, a producer association group, also known as a trade association, industry trade group, business association, sector association, or industry body, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry. Producer associations are eligible if:
    • The project will primarily benefit dairy farmers in the Northeast; and
    • The group of farmers (at least two) they will work with is clearly defined in the application; and
    • The majority of partner farms qualify under 1 above; and
    • The association does not receive the majority of their funds from producer check-off dollars.
  • Technical service providers (e.g., university extension or viability organizations) are eligible to apply if:
    • The project will primarily benefit dairy farmers in the Northeast; and
    • The group of farmers (at least two) they will work with is clearly defined in the application; and
    • The majority of partner farms qualify under 1 above.
  • Milk buyers/processors are eligible to apply if:
    • The project focuses on-farm milk production and/or increases the efficiencies of milk pickup and hauling; and
    • The group of farmers (at least two) involved in the project is clearly defined in the application; and
    • The majority of partner farms qualify under 1 above; and
    • The milk buyer/processor is located in the Northeast.

For more information, visit NE-DBIC.