The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance awarded over $3.5 million in grants to 44 dairy businesses, including Leelanau Cheese Company and Reny Picot – Old Europe Cheese from Michigan. These grants aim to support growth and innovation in the dairy sector, with the next application period set for February 2025.
The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) has announced over $3.5 million in grants for 44 awardees, benefiting the dairy sector, including two Michigan companies: Leelanau Cheese Company and Reny Picot – Old Europe Cheese, Inc. Tim Boring, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that these grants are integral for the continued growth of the state’s $15 billion dairy industry.
Founded in 1995, Leelanau Cheese Company has earned acclaim for its cave-aged cheeses and plans to utilize its $100,000 grant from DBIA to upgrade production equipment and broaden market outreach. Meanwhile, Reny Picot – Old Europe Cheese, founded in 1987, specializes in artisan cheeses and will receive $98,000 to reintroduce sliced brie, expand production capabilities, and generate new employment opportunities.
The grants are a part of DBIA’s Dairy Business Builder program, which seeks to enhance small to medium-sized dairy enterprises by supporting product diversification, value addition, and market expansion. Grants up to $100,000 are disseminated via a competitive application process.
Funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture award, DBIA aims to foster innovation and resilience within the dairy industry. Since its establishment under the 2018 Farm Bill, the program has awarded over 250 grants totaling more than $20 million across multiple states.
The upcoming application period for additional DBIA grants will commence in February 2025, providing further support to dairy businesses. For detailed information regarding grant opportunities, interested parties should visit the DBIA Grant website.
The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance is a collaborative initiative aimed at supporting the dairy sector by providing financial assistance and promoting business innovation. The DBIA’s Dairy Business Builder grant program specifically targets small to medium-sized dairy companies, assisting them in diversifying their product lines and enhancing operational efficiency. This initiative is part of broader efforts under the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fortify the agricultural economy, particularly the dairy industry, which plays a critical role in many states, including Michigan.
In summary, the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance’s recent grant allocation of over $3.5 million to 44 recipients, including two Michigan companies, demonstrates a commitment to the growth of the dairy industry. The awarded funds aim to facilitate production enhancement, job creation, and market expansion, ensuring the continued vitality of Michigan’s $15 billion dairy sector. Future grants will further bolster local dairy businesses as they adapt and innovate to meet market demands.
Original Source: www.sooleader.com
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