Local farmers invited to apply for dairy diversification grants
Dairy business grant applications open through Oct. 31
– The Pacific Coast Coalition–Dairy Business Innovation Initiative is accepting applications for Round 6 grants through Oct. 31. The program is open to dairy farmers and producers.
Under federal guidelines, priority goes to projects that diversify dairy product markets to reduce risk and create higher-value uses, promote business development that diversifies farmer income through processing and marketing innovation, and encourage the use of regional milk production. The initiative will consider all applications, with higher priority for proposals that support regional milk usage such as milk sheds.
Total available funding will be $155,550 or $500,550, depending on the status of the U.S. government shutdown. The application form is available at https://forms.gle/Q7kNftvgVGPPzvay8.
The timeline includes a virtual office hour for prospective applicants. Applications are due Oct. 31. The initiative will review applications and complete contractual paperwork from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30. The proposed start date is Dec. 1, subject to completion of contractual paperwork. All grant spending must be completed by Friday, July 31.
Additional opportunities are available through the initiative’s internship and technical assistance programs. For more information, see results from funding rounds 1 through 5 or contact the Pacific Coast Coalition–Dairy Business Innovation Initiative. Media contact: Nancy Van Leuven at nancyvanleuven@gmail.com or (206) 919-8694.
