The northeast dairy business innovation centers (NE-dbic) round 5 application for funding continues to focus on the delivery of high-value, high-impact programming to benefit the dairy sector across…

The northeast dairy business innovation centers (NE-dbic) round 5 application for funding continues to focus on the delivery of high-value, high-impact programming to benefit the dairy sector across the region. Opportunities are focused on farm and processor viability, with modernization, innovation, and climate-forward strategies at the forefront. The NE-dbics regional approach with intentional collaboration is developing trust, multi-state solutions, and benefits beyond the direct grantee.grant funded activities are focused in three primary areas: farm investments, processing investments, and dairy supply chain research and development. The funding in this application builds on previous opportunities that resonated across the dairy community, including on-farm milk storage and handling, food safety improvements, farm modernization, and processor innovation. New areas of focus include a regional economic study to understand the impact of dairy across new england, research and development of a novel farm production strategy, and investment in critical regional supply chain resources. Over 5.1 million will be awarded competitively through numerous subawards to dairy farms and processors, as they are the primary beneficiaries of this work. Subawards are used to fund the purchase of new equipment, for education and training, and to develop new systems or practices that support business success. Expected outcomes include job creation and maintenance, increased sales through existing or new market channels, new partnerships that result in higher profits, expanded infrastructure, and increased utilization of regional milk. The NE-dbic also measures outcomes related to subrecipient education, satisfaction, and outlook.