The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) has announced a new initiative, the Catalyzing Regional Dairy Workforce Grant program, which involves an $800,000 fund aimed at expanding dairy workforce development in the Northeast. The grant is designed to enhance existing workforce programs for dairy farms and processors, as well as stimulate the creation of new initiatives such as apprenticeships and training programs.
“The Northeast dairy sector is at a pivotal moment, where workforce development is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and fostering growth,” said Laura Ginsburg, Dairy Strategy & Innovation Manager at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. Highlighting the purpose of the initiative, she added, “This initiative is a vital step in bridging the gap between current workforce capabilities and future industry needs, ensuring the Northeast remains a leader in dairy production.”
This initiative builds on previous funding efforts, including grants to Cornell University’s Agricultural Supervisory Leadership training and the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund apprenticeships. Richard Stup from the Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development program indicated the importance of the funding, stating, “Grant funding is critical to expanding existing workforce development programs and encouraging new ones.”
Kristina Graeber of the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund expressed appreciation, noting that the NE-DBIC’s support is “helping us build the infrastructure to train and place early-career professionals on sustainable dairy farms across the region.”
The program will be available to applicants from all Northeast states. Grant awards will range from $20,000 to $100,000, and no matching funds are required. Eligible parties include educational institutions, training centers, non-profits, producer associations, and dairy processors. Applications will be accepted from April 24 through June 5, 2025.
The NE-DBIC is hosted by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and funded through the USDA-AMS. For further information, contact Laura Ginsburg, the NE-DBIC Lead and Dairy Strategy & Innovation Manager at the Vermont Agency.
