The recently introduced Dairy Business Innovation Act is getting praise from Wisconsin dairy organizations.
This bill, introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, will allocate an additional $16 million per year to USDA Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives. These support dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing and distribution of dairy products.
“The Dairy Business Innovation Act will ensure Wisconsin dairy farmers’ continued ability to feed the world,” says Van Orden.
DBI Initiatives provide technical assistance to dairy businesses directly or through industry experts or research institutions. U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin recently introduced the companion bill in the Senate.
What The Industry Is Saying
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Executive Director John Umhoefer says DBIA is crucial as the industry faces falling prices.
“Grants and trainings offered by this initiative are creating new dairy family businesses and offering consumers more delicious dairy choices,” he says.
FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative General Manager Jeff Lyon echoes the sentiment. He says it’s essential to prioritize the advancement of dairy businesses through initiatives that foster innovation, modernization and diversification.
Wisconsin Dairy Alliance President Cindy Leitner says not only will this investment protect farms of all sizes from today’s market volatility, but it will ensure dairy’s success into the future.
“Our dairy farmers and processors are masters of innovation and these advancements should be incentivized,” she says. “We need a robust dairy producer-to-processor pipeline to bolster one of the most important economic engines in our state and country.”
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative President Brody Stapel notes this bill will not only build a stronger future for dairy, but the investments will benefit the rural economy.
“Our dairy farmers and businesses drive our rural economies,” he says. “An investment into dairy is an investment directly into our rural communities.”
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