Dairy processors to infuse $12M in region

Eagle Times Staff
MONTPELIER, VT — Dairy processors across the Northeast are receiving an important investment intended to build resiliency and spur industry growth in the region. The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announced recently that 35 businesses have been selected for more than $12 million in awards through the Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant.

With total funding of $12,287,001 across eight states, individual awards range from $25,852 to $1 million. Those selected for awards represent processors of all sizes: from farmstead creameries to multi-state businesses and co-ops. Ten processors have been awarded grants in Vermont.

This one-time infusion of funding is a direct result of the Northeast Dairy Taskforce, convened by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), at the request of USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. Charged to provide an actionable response to Danone/Horizon cutting milk contracts with Northeast dairy farmers, the regional taskforce recommended investing “catalytic levels of funding into existing successful track-record processors positioned to scale production quickly.”

The USDA subsequently awarded the NE-DBIC an additional $20 million to address the stability and viability of Northeast regional dairy. The Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant funds specialized equipment to help processors increase the use of regionally sourced milk and expand regional dairy processing capacity.

“USDA is proud to be a partner with Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets in their ongoing efforts to support the region’s dairy businesses through the Northeast Dairy Business Initiative,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “This funding will expand markets for dairy producers, ensure a steady supply of dairy products to consumers and make significant contributions to the region’s economy.”

More than 3,200 dairy farmers will benefit from this processing expansion, stabilizing and expanding options for their milk and increasing the amount of local dairy on store shelves throughout the Northeast.

“The funding will have significant impacts for Vermont’s producers, helping bolster and stabilize production,” said Vermont Gov. Phil Scott. “This will help Vermont’s world-renowned dairy industry grow and prosper and continue making Vermont proud.”

“Dairy delivers for Vermont and the Northeast. Our farmers are committed to producing a high-quality product, but they need support. These investments are great for our processors, farmers and consumers,” said Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbetts. “By investing in new and existing products these grants will keep milk, butter, cheese, yogurt and ice cream in our stores, schools and homes. We are grateful for the support from USDA & Congress for this partnership.”