2025 NE-DBIC Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant

The Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant, offered by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC), is accepting applications for projects that support dairy farmers in enhancing their operations. The goal is to improve farm viability, reduce climate impacts, enhance milk quality, and strengthen farms' ability to respond to challenges. The program is open from January 2 to February 20, 2025, with grants ranging from $15,000 to $100,000. A 25% match in-kind and/or cash is required. Total funding available for this cycle is $950,000. Eligible applicants include dairy farmers, producer cooperatives, service providers applying on behalf of groups of farmers, and milk buyers who focus on on-farm milk production or transfer. The program is available to applicants in the 11 Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Projects involving collaboration with experts, such as farm planners or technical assistance providers, are encouraged, as well as those that benefit multiple dairy farms. To apply, organizations must register in WebGrants and complete their application by the deadline, February 20, 2025, at 2:00 pm ET. Applicants are advised to review the full Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Request for Applications (RFA) for detailed guidelines and the application process. A webinar on the application process will be held on February 6, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm ET. For further information or questions, applicants can contact Ben Eldredge, Grants Program Manager, at Ben.Eldredge@vermont.gov or (802) 522-9478.