Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives
The USDA Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives fund and support research, development, and marketing of innovative and value-added dairy products to help diversify and strengthen regional dairy businesses.
Funder: Department of Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: ~$11 million total available annually; typical regional awards ~$3.4M each; subawards to dairy businesses vary.
Summary: Supports dairy businesses with technical assistance and funding to develop, market, and distribute innovative dairy products and diversify farmer income.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; confirm details and deadlines with the program page.
Description
The Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives, administered by the USDA, provide funding and technical assistance to support dairy businesses in developing, producing, marketing, and distributing a wide range of dairy products—including niche and specialty products made from cow, sheep, and goat milk. The program aims to help dairy businesses diversify product markets, reduce risk, and develop higher-value uses for dairy, thereby increasing farmer income and supporting regional milk production. Assistance and funding are delivered through four regional initiatives, each offering subawards and tailored technical support to dairy farmers and processors.
