Whether in a new federal Farm Bill or in an upcoming appropriations package, additional investments in the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives program are essential to the short-term success and long-term stability of our industry.
Join Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association now as we advocate for continued - and increased - DBI funding. With just a few clicks, you can message your elected officials to emphasize the impact of and need for every dollar!
Have questions? Please contact WCMA Senior Director of Programs &amp; Policy Rebekah Sweeney anytime at rsweeney@wischeesemakers.org. Thank you for your engagement.

Invest in Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives

Support Farmers' and Food Processors' Growth

I write today to call on you to take action to champion Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives.  Whether in a new Farm Bill package or in a future appropriations bill, DBI needs $36 million per year to grow dairy farms and processing operations, strengthening our food supply chain and - as a result - our national security.

International marketplace volatility exacerbated by the recent announcement of new tariffs, a labor shortage on the cusp of crisis, rising operations and ingredients costs, and supply chain disruptions challenge U.S. dairy farmers and dairy processors, and the long-term stability of the $794 billion U.S. dairy industry.

For the U.S. dairy industry to grow, it must become more resilient and more able to innovate.  The critical barrier to these qualities is capital, an issue directly addressed by DBI, funded via the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS). DBI centers provide technical assistance, market analysis, research and development support, education, and targeted, small-dollar, direct-to-business grants for hundreds of America farmers and processors.
 
An investment in DBI is an investment in the future of U.S. dairy and in the rural communities in which farmers and processors do business.  Please take action to ensure businesses like mine can expand and innovate, creating opportunities for others and fulfilling our essential mission: producing delicious, nutritious, safe dairy foods to feed our neighbors and the world.

Thank you!

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