Friendly reminder that Large and Mid-sized (Tier 1 and Tier 2) dairy processors have one week left to submit a pre-application for the Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant.

The pre-app deadline is May 11 at 2:00 p.m.  

• Tier 1 (large) processors can apply for grants between $500,000 – $1,000,000 
• Tier 2 (mid-size) processors can apply for grants between $100,000 – $650,000

For details on each tier, eligibility, and how to apply, please visit our website: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/dbic/grants/existing-dairy-processor-expansion-grant  

Projects funded through this grant will focus primarily on acquiring specialized equipment needed to increase processing capacity through volume expansion and existing product line expansion. Additional activities related to training, marketing, or supply chain logistics that directly support increased production capacity may be included. 

Grants are available to applicants in all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 

If you have questions about Tier 1, contact Laura Ginsburg: laura.ginsburg@vermont.gov | (802) 522-2252 

If you have questions about Tier 2, contact Kathryn Donovan: kathryn.donovan@vermont.gov | (802) 585-4571  

Tier 3 processors have a single-stage application, which is open now through August 24.