Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Tammy Baldwin have introduced the Dairy Business Innovation Act, aiming to bolster the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII). This legislation seeks to provide American dairy farmers and processors with resources to enhance their operations, create new products, expand markets, and modernize production facilities.

"The dairy industry is an essential part of the American economy. It is crucial that we provide the resources that dairies in Tennessee need to expand and create new products," said Senator Blackburn. She emphasized the importance of supporting small Tennessee dairies struggling to remain open.

Senator Baldwin highlighted the benefits already seen in Wisconsin: "My Dairy Business Innovation Initiative has helped Wisconsin dairy farmers, producers, and cheesemakers grow their operations, tap into new markets, and innovate new products."

The DBII program was established in the 2018 Farm Bill to spur innovation in dairy businesses through regional centers. These centers offer technical assistance and grants for business development, product innovation, plant modernization, and process improvement.

The proposed Dairy Business Innovation Act would increase annual funding from $20 million to $36 million for these initiatives. The bill has received endorsements from several organizations including the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation and National Milk Producers Federation.

Eric Mayberry of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation expressed support: "Tennessee’s dairy farmers are an integral part of our rural economy... Further investments into DBII can create increased opportunities for consumers to access local dairy products."

Dr. Keith Carver from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture noted the act's impact on developing a Center for Dairy Advancement and Sustainability at UTIA: "These resources will continue to help UTIA provide Real.Life.Solutions."

Dr. Elizabeth Eckelkamp praised the program's expansion: "Since 2021, over $17 million has been directly invested into 189 dairy businesses across 12 states."

Gregg Doud from National Milk Producers Federation commended Senators Baldwin and Blackburn for their leadership: "This program helps support researchers... working to drive this innovation forward."

Adam Warthesen from Organic Valley acknowledged how this initiative positions American farmers better in bringing milk to market.

Michael Dykes of International Dairy Foods Association applauded the introduction of this bill: "The bill promotes innovation in the dairy processing sector... creating new market opportunities for healthy and nutritious dairy products."