Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (10.176)
Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (Assistance Listing 10.176) is run by the Agricultural Marketing Service, part of the Department of Agriculture. It awarded $187 million in 23 grants from fiscal 2021 to 2025, about $8.1 million per award on average. 1 funding opportunity is open or forecast now.
The typical award was $6.1 million. Half of the 23 awards fell between $3.5 million and $14.1 million, and they ranged from $265,000 to $19.0 million.
- Awarded, FY 2021 to 2025$187 million
- Grant awards23
- Typical award$6.1 million
- Awarded in FY 2025$11.0 million
- Size rank623 of 1824
- Type of assistanceGrant
Key findings
- Annual funding rose from $6.1 million in fiscal 2021 to $11.0 million in fiscal 2025.
- It is the 623rd largest of 1,824 federal grant programs by five-year awards.
- The 5 largest recipients received 100% of the money.
- Awards went to recipients in 4 states and territories.
What the program funds
The Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives connects the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) with eligible entities to host DBI Initiatives to manage the program by supporting dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products. These initiatives specifically focus on: (1) Diversifying dairy product markets to reduce risk and develop higher-value uses for dairy products; (2) Promoting business development that diversifies farmer income through processing and marketing innovation; and (3) Encouraging the use of regional milk production.
Open opportunities
Rules from the program listing
What the money can and cannot pay for
Funding is utilized to cover expenses by eligible applicants for project types as identified in the Request for Applications. Funds are provided on either advanced or reimbursement basis. Recipients have up to three (3) calendar years to use the funds. Applicable Terms and Conditions for these grants are available at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/terms-and-conditions and disclose how assistance is awarded/released. Eligible entities may not use grant funds for the purchase of land or for construction.;
Matching requirements
This program has no statutory formula. Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Deadlines
Funding opportunities are available annually. Applicants must review the applicable Request for Applications (RFA) for specific application deadlines. Refer to the program webpage at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants and visit the How to Apply tab for additional information.
Award range and average, in the agency's words
Funds are distributed equally among the current recipients.
Examples of funded projects
Fiscal Year2025: A DBI Initiative demonstrated its continued leadership in supporting regional dairy innovation. Seven dairy processors across the Northeast were awarded funding to enhance their marketing capabilities, with projects ranging from cohesive brand messaging and digital strategy development to e-commerce website launches and consumer research on cheese curd packaging. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the visibility and market reach of value-added dairy products. Concurrently, the Initiative celebrated the near completion of the 2023 Marketing & Branding Services subawards, with nine businesses advancing their branding and promotional efforts. The initiative also oversaw the successful implementation of the On-Farm Milk Storage and Handling Grant program, with 22 of 23 subrecipients completing infrastructure upgrades that improved milk quality, energy efficiency, and hauling logistics. Additionally, through a partnership, 30 small farms received critical equipment upgrades that enabled them to maintain market access and business continuity. These accomplishments were further amplified by the Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit, which convened over 200 stakeholders to explore innovation across the dairy supply chain. Collectively, these efforts underscore the initiative commitment to fostering a resilient, market-savvy, and inclusive dairy sector across the Northeast.
Funding history and past recipients
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (10.176) awarded$187 million across 23 grant awards, an average of $8.1 million per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee | Tennessee | 6 | $55.9 million |
| University of Wisconsin System | Wisconsin | 6 | $55.8 million |
| Vermont Agency of Agriculture | Vermont | 5 | $49.7 million |
| California State University, Fresno Foundation | California | 5 | $25.1 million |
| United States of America National C | Wisconsin | 1 | $265,000 |
Who usually wins
Colleges and universities received 70% of the money, state and local governments 27% and nonprofits 0.1%.
| Recipient type | Awards | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colleges and universities | 16 | $131 million | 70% |
| State and local governments | 5 | $49.7 million | 27% |
| Other | 1 | $6.0 million | 3.2% |
| Nonprofits | 1 | $265,000 | 0.1% |
By state
Each state below has its own page for this program, with its recipients and yearly totals.
| State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 7 | $56.0 million |
| Tennessee | 6 | $55.9 million |
| Vermont | 5 | $49.7 million |
| California | 5 | $25.1 million |