In its third cycle of grant awards, the Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Initiative (PCC-DBII), hosted by California State University, Fresno, will award funding to dairy producers and processors in California, Oregon, and Washington who want to become more innovative in today’s industry.

A total of $300,000 is available. The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 29.

“In this round for new or used equipment, we encourage applications up to $50,000 so more businesses may benefit,” said PCC Project Director Carmen Licon Cano, Ph.D. “Past grant winners have purchased items like butter churns, pasteurizers, and other items that have increased the profile of dairy while filling a demand for local and artisanal products.”

PCC “Cowkeeper” Susan Pheasant, Ph.D, notes that a larger funding opportunity will begin in January 2024, with at least $4.1M available for more states: Arizona; California; Nevada; New Mexico; Oregon; and, Washington. This fourth round of funding will include pandemic recovery (such as price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19), as the majority of those monies are derived from the federal CARES Act.

For more, visit www.dairypcc.net.

Photo courtesy of Ruby Jewel.