Following the introduction of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) urged members of Congress to take action on dairy leaders’ appeals to fully fund Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII) across the country, according to a recent press release.
Together with the Center for Dairy Research, WCMA administers the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance, one of four DBII centers located throughout the U.S. Since DBII was launched in the 2018 Farm Bill under the leadership of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, it has directed $165 million in federal funding to support farmers and processors.
A public letter written by WCMA and Organic Valley — signed by more than 200 dairy business leaders in 31 states — called on Congressional leaders to fully fund DBII in 2025 and throughout the duration of the new Farm Bill.
Markups of the House bill are expected to take place in committee this week. Dairy businesses are still able to join WCMA’s coordinated advocacy effort, with full details available here.
