The Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Program (DBI) for 2026 is a grant opportunity from the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. It aims to support existing dairy initiatives to diversify markets, promote business development, and encourage regional milk production. The program has $12.65 million available, with individual awards ranging from $2.3 million to $3.45 million. The focus is on funding projects that involve equipment and infrastructure improvements to strengthen the dairy industry.
Who it's for: This grant is specifically for existing initiatives of the Dairy Business Innovation Program, including the California State University Fresno Foundation, the University of Tennessee, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and the University of Wisconsin.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being one of the specified existing initiatives
- Proposing projects outside the scope of equipment and infrastructure improvements
- Failure to meet cost-sharing requirements
- Incomplete application
- Missing required documentation
What You May Need
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan including cost-sharing details
- Proof of eligibility as an existing DBI initiative
- Documentation of past project successes
- DBI Specific Terms and Conditions compliance
Cautions
- Ensure compliance with DBI Specific Terms and Conditions
- Strictly for existing DBI initiatives
- Cost-sharing is required
- Focus on equipment and infrastructure projects
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants are specifically the existing initiatives of the Dairy Business Innovation Program: California State University Fresno Foundation, University of Tennessee, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and University of Wisconsin. These entities must focus on projects that diversify dairy product markets, promote business development, and encourage regional milk production.
Overview
This grant is specifically for existing initiatives of the Dairy Business Innovation Program, including the California State University Fresno Foundation, the University of Tennessee, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and the University of Wisconsin.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being one of the specified existing initiatives
- Proposing projects outside the scope of equipment and infrastructure improvements
- Failure to meet cost-sharing requirements
- Incomplete application
- Missing required documentation
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for projects that involve equipment and infrastructure improvements aimed at diversifying dairy product markets, promoting business development, and encouraging regional milk production.
Total Program Funding
$12,650,000
Expected Awards
4
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Sep 30, 2026
- Deadline
- Dec 1, 2026(61 days)
- Archive Date
- Dec 31, 2026
- Last Updated
- Sep 30, 2026
- Est. Award Date (AI estimate)
- Spring 2027
Application Checklist
- Verify eligibility as an existing DBI initiative
- Prepare a detailed project proposal focusing on equipment and infrastructure
- Develop a comprehensive budget plan with cost-sharing details
- Gather documentation of past project successes
- Review DBI Specific Terms and Conditions for compliance
- Submit application by December 1, 2026