Dairy Processing & Packaging Innovation Grant Open

Applications for the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center's Innovation in Dairy Processing & Packaging Grant are now open.

This grant will provide funds for dairy processors, dairy producer associations, packaging manufacturers, supply chain businesses, educational research institutions, and technical assistance providers to support innovation for Northeast dairy processors across a variety of scales.

Grants are available to applicants in 11 Northeast states, including Maine. 

Projects funded through this grant must address at least one of the following areas: 

1. Packaging initiatives that prioritize sustainability, scalability, and marketability of packaging solutions for small and mid-sized processors. Packaging projects may address topics such as packaging lifecycle analysis, packaging materials, costs of conversion, supply chain logistics, research and development, packaging design, processor packaging changeovers, and infrastructure upgrades.  
2. Novel processing solutions such as innovation in sourcing, product development, alternative production solutions, distribution and supply chain logistics, operations, workforce development or employee welfare, and marketing or consumer experience. 
3. Projects that increase collaboration across the dairy sector or increase partnerships between sectors to ensure the greatest number of dairy businesses benefit.  

Grants will range from $75,000 to $350,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. Total funds available are $1,500,000. 

The application period closes on October 31, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET.