Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants: Supporting On-Farm Processing and Labor Solutions

Iowa dairy farmers and processors can now apply for the third year of Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grants, offering cost-share funding to support investments in on-farm dairy processing and labor-reducing technologies. The program aims to bolster the state’s dairy industry by expanding value-added production and increasing the availability of locally produced dairy products.

Grant Details and Funding

A total of $500,000 in funding is available for the 2026-2027 grant cycle. Individual grant awards can reach up to $100,000, but the total amount requested per applicant – encompassing both on-farm processing and labor-reducing technology requests – cannot exceed $100,000. Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant

Applicants are required to provide a minimum one-to-one (1:1) financial match from private sources, such as cash, financing, or other non-government grant funds, for the total project costs. In-kind contributions are not accepted. For example, a $5,000 grant request necessitates at least $5,000 in matching funds, resulting in a total project cost of $10,000. Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, agricultural cooperatives, non-profit organizations, and local governments that:

• Are in good standing with the State of Iowa.
• Are not currently in bankruptcy.
• Currently reside or conduct business in Iowa.
• Have not been subject to regulatory enforcement actions related to federal, state, or local environmental, worker safety, food processing, or food safety laws within the last five years.
• Are permitted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship or in the process of obtaining a permit.

Program Impact and History

Since the program’s launch in 2022, 35 dairy projects have been awarded funding, leveraging approximately $6.34 million in total on-farm investment. These projects have focused on expanding processing capacity, adopting labor-saving technologies, and increasing the availability of Iowa-made dairy products. Secretary Naig Welcomes Applications for Third Year of Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation

Application Process and Timeline

Applications are being accepted online and must be submitted by noon on April 17. Grant funds are disbursed as a reimbursement after project completion. Projects cannot begin before a grant is awarded and must be completed within 12 months. Purchases for grant projects can only commence after the grant agreement is finalized with signatures from both the grant recipient and an Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) representative. Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant

Additional Choose Iowa Grants

Choose Iowa offers a range of other grants, including those for Value-Added Agriculture, Butchery Innovation, and a Food Purchasing Program for schools. These grants aim to support programs that add value to agricultural products, promote new technologies, and enhance marketing strategies. Choose Iowa Grants

The Choose Iowa Value-Added Grants provide up to $25,000 per awardee and require a 1:1 financial match. Choose Iowa Grants