Dairy processors along the Pacific Coast can now apply for the fifth round of grants from the Pacific Coast Coalition - Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (PCC-DBII). $1.5 million in grants is available to dairy processors in California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington.

First time applicants are strongly encouraged to apply: https://www.dairypcc.net/grant-applications/

The application process is open until Sept. 30 and the PCC-DBII anticipates giving out 6-10 awards, up to $250,000 each. Applicants must propose eligible projects that modernize, specialize, expand, investigate or market the use of regionally produced milk to higher-value products. These include projects that improve or add value chain and commodity innovation and/or facility process updates for dairy processors that elevate or add dairy product development, packaging, and marketing. Winners should expect to begin spending their award by December 2, 2024. A complete list of eligible expenditures is available via USDA AMS - DAIRY BUSINESS INNOVATION INITIATIVES PROGRAM-SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

The PCC-DBII will be hosting two “Office Hours” zoom sessions, from 4pm-5pm August 29th and September 19th, to answer any questions about eligibility and the application process. Zoom link and passcode:

• https://fresnostate.zoom.us/j/87905420761?pwd=ZzNzRCtJb0pJMTZ4ZGxtN1ByY2h1UT09
• Meeting ID: 879 0542 0761
• Passcode: 950938

The PCC-DBII, hosted by California State University, Fresno and funded through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, is dedicated to strengthening and supporting the dairy industry. By addressing these goals, they seek to help innovate and diversify the dairy product market, develop higher value uses for dairy products, promote business development and encourage the use of regionally produced milk. 

Grant applications will be accepted August 1, 2024 - September 30, 2024. For more information: https://www.dairypcc.net/