Organic Dairy Product Promotion Grant 

As of Friday 7/11/25, the ODPP program has been canceled by USDA. We know there was a lot of excitement and energy around this program, and we’re sorry we aren’t able to move forward with it.

Unlike the rest of our grants, which are funded through the 2018 Farm Bill, the ODPP grant funds were an add-on program allocated from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). This is the only grant program affected by the cancelation. 

Though the CCC funds were canceled, all other NE-DBIC grants are unaffected and are open and moving forward.

Grant Overview 

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Organic Dairy Product Promotion Grant program to facilitate an increase of regionally-produced USDA certified organic dairy products in youth-serving institutions. This program is made possible through funding from the USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), and as such, funds can only be used to purchase organic dairy products for use in youth-focused institutional food service programs (ages 5-25). This includes the total landed cost, meaning the price paid should account for the full cost of production, processing, handling, and delivery.  

This unique opportunity is part of a national initiative to increase the consumption of organic dairy among children and young adults while supporting partnerships with, and networks of, small and mid-sized organic dairy producers. Funded projects will address one of the following areas:

  • Expansion of current organic dairy procurement: Existing sourcing of organic dairy products will be supplemented with additional Northeast organic dairy products 
  • Addition of organic dairy products: Institutions that do not currently serve organic dairy products will begin to source and serve Northeast organic dairy   

Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a likelihood of continuing to purchase organic dairy products beyond the grant period, supporting long-term market opportunities for regional organic dairy producers. Grant funds may not be used to displace locally sourced dairy that is not organic, however, they may displace any dairy product produced outside of the Northeast.  

Awards

Grants will range from $50,000 – $500,000 with no match requirement. Grant funds will be distributed to grantees using a reimbursement model for actual, demonstrated expenses. 

Available funds: up to $1,750,000 

Eligibility

Grants are available to applicants in all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants from outside of the region may apply if they currently provide processing or distribution services within the Northeast region.  

Applicants must be one of the following: 

  • Licensed dairy processors that:  
    • Transform raw fluid milk, dairy components, or dairy mix into an edible product meant for human consumption. 
    • Hold a license that permits the sale of their dairy products across state lines, even if they are not currently doing interstate sales. 
    • Have processing facilities in the Northeast.  
    • Source or produces milk or dairy components from within the Northeast. 
    • Manufacture products within the Northeast. 
  • Distributor whose primary function is to move food and/or beverages from producers or processors to wholesale and/or institutional buyers. Food hubs that provide distribution services are eligible under this category. Distributors must currently be serving the Northeast region.
  • Youth Institution – Includes K-12 schools, supervisory unions, colleges, universities, afterschool programs, and summer feeding programs that are currently eligible to participate in federal child nutrition programs, including those listed on this USDA School Meals page.

How To Apply

This program has been canceled by USDA. 

Have A Question About This Grant/

Have a question? Contact Ali Boochever: Ali.Boochever@vermont.gov 

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