State to offer $5 mln in grants to support dairy industry

The Pennsylvania Dairy Industry Investment Program will offer $5 million in grants to support Pennsylvania’s struggling dairy industry. The program, which was created in June and is administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, aims to improve the production, processing and distribution of dairy products throughout Pennsylvania.

Dairy farmers have been struggling for years, said state Sen. Elder Vogel (R-New Sewickley Township), who serves as Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee chairman.

“The dairy industry is one of the most important parts of Pennsylvania’s agriculture economy, but market conditions have created enormous challenges for dairy operations in communities throughout the state,” state Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-State College) said. “This new program will provide a much-needed opportunity for members of the dairy industry to modernize, streamline and expand their operations while keeping pace with changes within the industry.”

Dairy businesses and cooperatives, and not-for-profit agricultural organizations, schools, and institutions of higher learning are eligible. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Only projects not currently underway will be considered, and a 15 percent cash match of the total project cost is required.

Grants of up to $50,000 for value-added processing projects and dairy operations transitioning to organic products and up to $100,000 for research and development and marketing projects will be awarded.