Past Grants
Learn more about past grant programs offered by NE-DBIC.
Our grant programs are informed by the needs of Northeast dairy farmers and processors. From agritourism and education to on-farm systems and processing expansion, we’ve funded a wide range of projects. Below are past grant programs that are now closed.
For current funding opportunities, visit our Dairy Grants & Contracts page. To learn more about past projects, visit our Funded Grants Projects page.
Catalyzing Regional Dairy Workforce Grant
Grants to support the development, expansion, and operations of existing and shovel-ready workforce programs that focus on existing and potential employees of dairy farms and dairy processors.
Dairy Cohort Technical Assistance Contract
Funds for service providers to develop cohorts of dairy farmers to address relevant areas of technical assistance in their region.
Dairy Business Viability & Technical Assistance Grant
Funding for dairy processors, producer associations, supply chain businesses, or service providers to coordinate technical assistance to benefit multiple dairy producers and processors with the goal of increasing consumption, sales, jobs, and diverse markets for regionally produced dairy products. Technical assistance services could include enhancing business plans, facility operations, marketing, distribution, processing, and product offerings.
Dairy Co-Packing Grant
Grants to support the development of new and expanded co-packing capabilities and relationships for a processor.
Dairy Farm Innovation & Alternative Management Grant
Funding for dairy farmers to access resources and technical assistance to support the implementation of community- and climate-forward production strategies. Projects funded through this grant program take a whole farm system approach and increase collaboration with other farms or dairy sector stakeholders.
Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant
Grants to support food safety projects including specialized equipment purchase, supplies, food safety training, and certifications.
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 Processing Research & Development Innovation Grant
Grants for dairy processors to position their businesses for long-term success.
Dairy Product Packaging Innovation Grant
Funding for modernized dairy product packaging initiatives that prioritize sustainability, scalability, and marketability.
Dairy Product Trade Show Assistance Grant
Grants for dairy processors and producer associations seeking to exhibit and sell value-added dairy products at domestic and/or international business-to-business trade shows.
Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant
Funds for existing dairy processors to acquire specialized equipment to increase milk processing capacity. This one-time grant program offered catalytic funding amounts for the region’s processors.
Goat & Sheep Dairy Development Grant
Funding for farmers, processors, and producer associations to develop or expand the reach of goat and/or sheep dairy products or markets. Projects are expected to enhance the growth and viability of individual small ruminant businesses, as well as address gaps in technical assistance, improved supply chain partnerships, market access and growth, and long-term business viability.
Goat & Sheep Dairy Supply Chain Grant
Grants for dairy farmers, processors, and/or producer associations to improve the goat and/or sheep dairy supply chain. Projects funded through this program focused on developing or expanding goat/sheep dairy markets or products that, in turn, positively impacted multiple businesses through potential for increased dairy product sales or opportunities.
Innovation in Dairy Processing & Packaging Grant
Grants for dairy processors, producer associations, and educational research institutions to conduct R&D projects that support innovation for Northeast dairy processors across a variety of scales.
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.
Multi-Business Dairy Agritourism Grant
Funding to elevate dairy businesses through agritourism across the Northeast region of the US. Projects must have a minimum of 3 dairy farmers or processors are actively engaged in the project’s agritourism activities.
New dairy Processor Start-Up Grant
Grants to support the development of new and expanded co-packing capabilities and relationships for dairy processors. The goal of this program was to help develop competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability, supporting operations of all sizes in successfully launching and sustaining their products in the marketplace.
New England Dairy Economic Impact study – Contract
Funding for a contractor to conduct research on the impacts of New England’s dairy economy. This report shall include an in-depth discussion of state-by-state and regional impacts of dairy farming, dairy processing, and other directly related jobs that support the dairy sector.
On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant
Funds for farmers to purchase equipment that improves milk storage, handling, and energy efficiency. Projects funded by this grant will: streamline milk handling and pick up for both farmers and milk haulers; make milk storage and handling more efficient; improve on-farm food safety, and/or enhance milk quality.
Organic On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant
Funds for organic dairy farmers to purchase equipment that improves milk storage, handling, and energy efficiency. Projects funded by this grant will: streamline milk handling and pick up for both farmers and milk haulers; make milk storage and handling more efficient; improve on-farm food safety, and/or enhance milk quality.
Organic Dairy Product Promotion Grant
Funds to facilitate an increase of regionally-produced USDA certified organic dairy products in youth-serving institutions. The Organic Dairy Product Promotion Grant was canceled by the USDA on 7/11/2025.