Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives support dairy businesses with technical assistance and subawards for production, processing, and marketing innovation to diversify markets and farmer income.
DBI applications changed from closed to open, with a December 1, 2026 deadline. The FY2026 NOFO replaces the 2025 application guidance, cost-share verification is now listed as required, partner letters are required only if applicable, and equipment, renovation, and environmental-review terms also changed.
USDA offers $12.65 million for FY 2026 to four existing Dairy Business Innovation initiatives to diversify dairy markets and farmer income, with priority encouraged for equipment and infrastructure subawards.
The Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant funds advanced equipment and technology to help Iowa dairies modernize, expand processing, and reduce labor through science-driven solutions.
The Dairy Investment Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture funds research and innovation to improve and sustain Pennsylvania's dairy industry.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Dairy Business Planning Grants fund expert-led business planning to help dairy farms and processors develop strategies for growth, improvement, or transition.
Dairy Industry Impact and Innovation (DI3) Faculty Fellowships support UW–Platteville faculty research to help Wisconsin’s dairy community produce nutritious dairy products sustainably.