Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Program (DBI) Fiscal Year 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking applications from four existing Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) initiatives to receive a portion of $12.65 million in FY 2026 grant funding. The program’s goal is to diversify dairy product markets, promote business development that broadens farmer income, and support regional milk production. Applicants must submit a cost‑share of 25 % of requested federal funds and allocate at least 50 % of award dollars to sub‑awards for dairy producers. Funding periods run approximately three years (Jan 2027‑Dec 2029). Awards range from $2.3 M to $3.45 M per initiative. • Eligible only to the four current DBI initiatives (California State University Fresno Foundation, University of Tennessee, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, University of Wisconsin). • Must submit electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm ET on Dec 1 2026. • Required cost‑share: 25 % of federal funds. • Minimum 50 % of award must fund sub‑awards to dairy businesses; sub‑award cap $500,000 per recipient. • Project period: 36 months (approx. Jan 2027‑Dec 2029). • Total available funding $12.65 M; individual award ceilings $2.3 M‑$3.45 M.