Grants Help NH Farmers Keep Dairy Products Local

By Kathryn Carley

Dairy farmers and processors in New Hampshire are eligible for grants to help improve their operations, as part of a growing movement to keep locally produced dairy products in local communities.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center is offering $12 million in expansion grants to help farmers purchase new equipment, train workers or market their products.

Laura Ginsburg - dairy development and innovation lead for the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets - said even those fairly new to the dairy industry can benefit.

"Really looking at farmers who are interested in starting to produce their own products," said Ginsburg, "but haven't had that experience or opportunity before."

Larger processors can submit pre-applications for grants by May 11. The application window for smaller dairy farms runs through August.