Two Michigan cheese companies received part of the $3.5 million awarded in 44 grants by the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance, which is a partnership between the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Center for Dairy Research.
As part of DBIA’s Dairy Business Builder grant program, the funds aim to help support small- to medium-sized dairy businesses in diversifying on-farm activity, creating value-added products, enhancing dairy byproducts, and creating or enhancing dairy export programs. Reimbursement grants of up to $100,000 each are awarded following a competitive review process.
The two Michigan awardees include:
Leelanau Cheese Co. Established in 1995, the company has developed a local and international reputation for their cave-aged, award-winning, European-style cheeses. Located in Suttons Bay, Mich., Leelanau Cheese Co. aims to produce accessible and quality dairy products that highlight Michigan’s rich agricultural landscape. The $100,000 grant from DBIA will help upgrade equipment to increase production capacity and expand markets.
Reny Picot — Old Europe Cheese Inc. The company has been delivering fine specialty cheeses since 1987. The Benton Harbor, Mich., company sources sustainable milk and cream from Michigan dairies for its award-winning, artisan handcrafted cheeses. The $98,000 DBIA grant will assist in reintroducing sliced brie, capturing lost sales, expanding production capacity and creating jobs.
DBIA is funded by a USDA award intended to drive dairy business innovation and make the industry more robust and resilient.
Since its inception as part of the 2018 Farm Bill, DBIA has awarded over 250 grants totaling more than $20 million to dairy businesses in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The program also offers technical assistance and education to dairy farmers and processors in the region.
The next DBIA grant application period will open in February 2025. For more information on grant opportunities and DBIA, visit the DBIA grant website.
Source: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development