Madison, Wis. [July 12, 2023) – FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, along with other members of the Midwest Dairy Coalition, endorsed the Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2023 that was introduced today by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). This bill would increase the funding authorization for the Dairy Business Innovation Act, which supports dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products.
“FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative is appreciative of Senators Baldwin and Blackburn for their work to secure additional funding for the Dairy Business Innovation Act,” said Jeff Lyon, FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative’s General Manager, “It is imperative that we continue to support the advancement of dairy businesses through innovation, foster the development of new dairy products and enhance the efficiency of dairy plants through modernization. The increased funding for grants is crucial to address the never-ending challenges to grow the dairy industry and provide vital support to dairy farmers.”
The Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2023 would increase funding for the program from $20 million to $36 million per fiscal year. Funds are used for regional initiatives to support new and expanding dairy businesses, promote innovation in dairy products, and assist with dairy plant modernization and process improvement. These initiatives can be hosted by state departments of agriculture, non-profits, universities, or cooperative extension services, and they can partner with foundations and dairy checkoffs.
FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, established in 2013 and based in Madison, Wis., represents farmers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana by providing legislative and regulatory advocacy, dairy marketing services, disaster protection, laboratory testing opportunities and industry promotion. Learn more about FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative by visiting: www.FarmFirstDairyCooperative.com.
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