Organic On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant

Grant Overview

*This funding opportunity is closed. Organic producers can apply in the next round of the On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant in November 2023*

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Organic On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant program, which will provide grants for organic dairy farmers to access funds that support the purchase of equipment and other related costs that will improve milk storage, handling, and energy efficiencies. The focus of this grant is on the purchase of specialized equipment and related supplies. Applicants will be able to select from a pre-approved list of eligible equipment and supplies which includes milk storage tanks, milk pipeline, glycol chillers, milk loading systems, reclaim systems for water, cooling equipment, plate coolers/heat exchangers, and equipment installation costs.

Projects funded by this grant will streamline milk pick up, create efficiencies around milk storage, and improve handling for both farmers and their processors. Successful applications will show reduced costs to the farmer and will improve efficiencies around the movement of milk, reduce frequency of milk pick up, and/or otherwise meet processors’ needs for improved storage and handling. Priority will be given to farmers that are transitioning to a new processor to meet their new processor’s requirements.

Grants are available to applicants in all 11 Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Grants will range from $10,000- $50,000 with a 25% match commitment. Match waivers are also available. FSA low-interest loans and other grants are encouraged to supplement the project. Total funds available: $450,000.

Eligibility

Applicants eligible for these funds are organic dairy farmers (producers) that:

  1. are headquartered or based in the Northeast; and
  2. produce milk within the Northeast; and
  3. are licensed dairy operations in compliance with all required state and/federal standards.

How to Apply

The 2023 On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant will be one round open to organic and conventional dairy farmers. Learn how to apply here.

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