Catalyzing Regional Dairy Workforce Grant

Catalyzing Regional Dairy Workforce Grant is sponsored by Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (USDA-AMS). This program addresses the need to expand dairy workforce development programming. While the deadline is soon, the focus on supporting existing and potential employees of dairy farms aligns very well with Hazelwood Farms Dairy LLC's mission to retain employees and meet payroll.

Catalyzing Regional Dairy Workforce Grant - Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center Catalyzing Regional Dairy Workforce Grant Applications for this grant are closed. The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center was established in the 2018 Farm Bill and is funded through the USDA-AMS. The first extension of the 2018 Farm Bill ensured NE-DBIC funding for specific grants through 2027.

Until a new Farm Bill is authorized, and depending on funding levels, this particular grant will not be offered again once it closes on June 5. The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Catalyzing Regional Dairy Workforce Grant program to address the significant need to expand dairy workforce development programming in the Northeast.

Funds will support the development, expansion, and operations of existing dairy workforce programs that are ready to expand services that will benefit existing and potential employees of dairy farms and dairy processors. Programs supported may be federally registered apprenticeships, state registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, internships, or other training programs.

Projects funded through this grant will focus on expansion and enhancement of program operations, program services, and participant support.

Funded projects will address one or more of the following areas: Expansion of current programming: Existing programming will be expanded or enhanced to increase the number of participants, expand geographic reach, reach new or underserved participants, offer new certifications, and/or complete requirements to become a federally recognized Registered Apprenticeship program.

Addition of new programs: Existing workforce or apprenticeship programs may add new programs to increase their impact, number of participants, or create additional pathways for participation for audiences not currently served. Participant support: Existing or new programs may offset participant costs to increase participation and buy-in from trainees and businesses.

Projects funded through this grant will have a direct impact on dairy workforce training and apprenticeship program success across the Northeast region. Additional activities related to program marketing, educational platform development, increased multi-state or multi-business collaboration, and use of subject matter experts that directly support the project may be incorporated.

Evidence of existing collaborations and programmatic impact will make applications more competitive. Please note that this program is not scheduled to be offered again. Grants will range from $20,000 – $100,000.

No match is required in this program. Available funds: up to $800,000 Grants are available to applicants in all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants from outside of the region may apply if they currently provide services within the Northeast region.

Applicants must be an organization or business that currently provides dairy workforce programming in the Northeast or that currently serves Northeast participants, which will take one of the following forms: University, college, technical career center, or other educational institutions Manufacturing extension, process improvement, and other manufacturing training center Federally registered apprenticeship, state registered apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, internship, or other dairy workforce training programs.

Producer or trade associations that represent and promote dairy products originating from the Northeast. For the purpose of this grant, a producer association group, also known as a trade association, industry trade group, business association, sector association or industry body, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry.

Associations receiving more than 50% of funding from producer check-off dollars are not eligible. Licensed dairy processors that: transforms raw fluid milk, dairy components, or dairy mix into an edible product meant for human consumption.

is currently licensed in a way that their product can be sold across state lines, even if they are not currently doing so source or produce milk or milk components that originate within the Northeast Farm-based workforce programs are eligible if they are offered within one of the above categories of applicant. This grant program is not meant to benefit a sole dairy business.

Review the full Request for Applications (RFA) for the complete details on eligible projects/applicants and the full application process. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days). Review our Applicant Resources , including an Application Guide and How to Apply Webinar.

Apply through WebGrants. The application will be open from April 24 – June 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET. Applicants who do not already have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.

gov are strongly encouraged to start this process during the application period to ensure a timely start to their grant, if awarded. Have a Question about this Grant? Have a question?

Contact Laura Ginsburg: Laura. Ginsburg@vermont. gov