Dairy Grants & Contracts
At the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, we offer grants and contracts for dairy farmers, processors, and service providers.
Click the buttons below to learn more about specific grants, or jump to our Funding Calendar to learn when each grant opens.
Funding for Dairy Farmers:
Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant
Grants for dairy farmers and TA providers to fund a wide-range of projects that prioritize long-term farm viability, climate and economic resilience
On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant
Funds for farmers to purchase equipment that improves milk storage, handling, and energy efficiency
Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant
Grants for dairy farmers, processors, and/or producer associations to improve the safety of dairy products
Massachusetts Co-Packing Startup Grant
Funds for MA dairy farmers or a licensed dairy processor forming a new partnership with at least one MA dairy farm to launch a farm-branded value-added dairy product line.
Funding for Dairy Processors:
Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant
Grants for dairy farmers, processors, and/or producer associations to improve the safety of dairy products
Dairy Marketing & Branding Services Grant
Grants for value-added dairy processors to access professional services to implement marketing tactics, brand improvements, and overall strategy
Dairy Product Packaging Innovation Grant
Funding for modernized dairy product packaging initiatives that prioritize sustainability, scalability, and marketability
Dairy Processing Research & Development Innovation Grant
Grants for dairy processors to position their businesses for long-term success
Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant
Funds for dairy processors to acquire specialized equipment to increase milk processing capacity
Massachusetts Co-Packing Startup Grant
Funds for MA dairy farmers or a licensed dairy processor forming a new partnership with at least one MA dairy farm to launch a farm-branded value-added dairy product line.
Funding for Dairy Service Providers:
Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant
Grants for dairy farmers and TA providers to fund a wide-range of projects that prioritize long-term farm viability, climate and economic resilience
Cohort Dairy Technical Assistance Contract
Service providers are invited to develop cohorts of dairy farmers to address relevant areas of technical assistance in their region
Funding Calendar:
| Application Open | Program Name | Grant Description | Who Should Apply | Contact |
| April – August 2023 | Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant: Tier 3 | Tiered grants for specialized equipment needed to increase processing capacity of regionally produced milk. | Dairy Processors | Ben Eldredge ben.eldredge@vermont.gov, (802) 522-9478 |
| June – August 2023 | Dairy Packaging Innovation Grant | Grants to support modernized packaging initiatives that prioritize sustainability, scalability, and marketability. | Dairy Processors, Manufacturers, Producer Associations, Supply Chain Businesses, Educational Institutions | Kathryn Donovan kathryn.donovan@vermont.gov, (802) 585-4571 |
| September – November 2023 | Massachusetts Co-Packing Startup Grant | Grants for either (1) Massachusetts dairy farmers or (2) licensed Northeast dairy processors to launch a farm-branded value-added product line via co-packing. | Dairy Farmers, Dairy Processors | Ali Boochever ali.boochever@vermont.gov (802) 261-5740 |
| October – December 2023 | Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant | This grant for dairy farmers will fund a wide range of projects that prioritize long term farm viability and climate/economic resilience. | Dairy Farmers, Producer Associations, Technical Assistance Providers | Ben Eldredge ben.eldredge@vermont.gov (802) 522-9478 |
| October – December 2023 | Dairy Farm Cohort Technical Assistance Program | Service providers will be able to submit contract proposals to develop cohorts of dairy farmers to address relevant areas of technical assistance. | Technical Assistance Providers | Laura Ginsburg laura.ginsburg@vermont.gov (802) 522-2252 |
| November 2023 – January 2024 | On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant | Grants to provide dairy farmers with funds that support the purchase and supplies to improve milk storage, handling and energy efficiencies. | Dairy Farmers | Ali Boochever ali.boochever@vermont.gov (802) 261-5740 |
| December 2023 – February 2024 | Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant | Grants to support food safety projects including specialized equipment purchase, supplies, food safety training, and certifications. | Dairy Farmers and Dairy Processors | Ben Eldredge ben.eldredge@vermont.gov, (802) 522-9478 |
| Late Winter 2024 | Goat & Sheep Dairy Supply Chain Development Grant | Grants to improve the regional conditions for goat and/or sheep dairy products. | Dairy Farmers, Dairy Processors, Manufacturers, Producer Associations, Technical Assistance Providers, Supply Chain Businesses (distributors, retailers, etc.), Educational Institutions | Kathryn Donovan kathryn.donovan@vermont.gov, (802) 585-4571 |