The Dairy Processor Modernization Grant has selected several businesses to receive funding aimed at modernizing facilities and improving efficiency in dairy processing. The program, designed to support a range of business sizes, divided applicants into two tiers based on daily milk usage.
These grants will fund the installation of specialized equipment such as whipped cream cheese mixers, cheese cutters, pasteurizers, and rotary filler-sealers. These upgrades aim to boost production capacity, enhance employee working conditions, and reduce product waste, contributing to long-term business viability.
Tier 1 Awardees
- Franklin Foods, VT: $123,066 for a whipped cream cheese mixer to improve quality and reduce waste.
- HP Hood, MA: $350,000 for a fruit mixing unit to increase cottage cheese production and labor efficiency.
- King Brothers Dairy, NY: $200,000 to modernize operations and enhance plant capacity, efficiency, and safety.
- Ronnybrook Farm Dairy, NY: $62,000 for glycol chillers to improve pasteurization and cooling efficiency for cultured dairy products.
Tier 2 Awardees
- All Star Specialties, NY: $147,367.50 for a new chiller, rotary filler, and blast freezer to double ice cream production and reduce energy costs.
- Eden Valley Creamery, NY: $112,000 for cheese vat and packaging line upgrades to double cheese curd production.
- Goat Rodeo Farm & Dairy, PA: $81,216 for a precision cheese cutter to streamline packaging, reduce waste, and increase production.
- Lively Run Goat Dairy, NY: $150,000 for upgraded aging equipment to expand cheese production capacity.
- New City Ice Cream, MA: $150,000 for larger ice cream equipment to boost production, lower costs, and create jobs.
- Sweet Cow Yogurt, VT: $101,000 for milk storage and processing equipment to double production capacity and improve sustainability.
Future Opportunities
The grant program is expected to reopen in summer 2025. Interested dairy processors can sign up for the monthly newsletter to stay informed about upcoming application opportunities. For more information, visit the program’s website.
