Why is the Center taking applications for this program if the funds are not guaranteed? To participate as a Regional Impact Project applicant, the Center must have the farms participating in its project identified within its grant application. The Center is also required to provide letters of support from the participating farms. If those farms were not identified within the Center’s application, the project would not qualify for consideration.
How much funding could our farm receive? If funded, the Dairy Innovation Grant Program would award matching grants to the farms selected into the program of up to $25,000 in matching funds or up to a 50 percent match in total cost of up to $50,000. These funds are provided to reimburse farmers once the dollars are spent, so the total funding received will depend on the total cost of the project.
How is this program funded? The Center for Dairy Excellence will submit an application to the Pennsylvania Ag Innovation Fund to fund the Dairy Innovation Grant Program through a Regional Impact Project Grant. The Pennsylvania Ag Innovation Fund is accepting applications through November 15. That is why any funding awarded directly to farms will be dependent on the Center’s application being awarded funding through the Pennsylvania Ag Innovation Fund.
What farms are eligible? Farm operations within Pennsylvania with anticipated annual sales of more than $2,000 and more than 35 mature dairy cows or 70 mature dairy goats are eligible to apply, if they meet the requirements below.
What are the requirements of the grant? Farms must have a current manure management and conservation plan to participate and must be participating in National FARM or a similar animal care program. Farms must also be able to demonstrate basic financial knowledge of their operation and a commitment to long-term sustainability of the dairy. Industry-researched cost estimates must be provided to be considered for this grant.
What type of projects would be eligible? Projects that involve the implementation of technology that improves production, efficiency and data analytics through automation in the operation are eligible. Projects could involve technology within the milking parlor, feeding system, activity monitoring, ventilation, and cow cooling aspects of the operation. Construction of facilities is not an eligible expense. For equipment like fans or curtains to be eligible, it must include temperature-controlled automation. Please note, projects initiated before January 1, 2025, are not eligible to be part of this program.
What is required as far as cost estimates associated with the project? The cost estimates provided in the application must be based on industry research. In other words, farms must receive a direct estimate from the company providing the technology or have done research on cost estimates within the industry.
When will I know if my project will be included as part of the Center for Dairy Excellence program? Successful farms would be notified of their acceptance into the pre-application period in November but would not know whether the funding is awarded until January 2025 upon announcement of the Pennsylvania Ag Innovation Grant Awardees.
When would I know if our farm was approved to receive the funding? Successful farms would be notified of their acceptance into the pre-application period in November but would not know whether the funding is awarded until January 2025 upon announcement of the Pennsylvania Ag Innovation Grant Awardees.
How long would I have to spend the funding? If awarded the funds, farms would have up to two years to purchase the technology and implement it into their operation. All funding would be awarded on a reimbursable basis once technology is implemented.
Could I apply for both this program and submit my own application to the Pennsylvania Ag Innovation Fund? An individual applicant can apply for consideration in the Innovation Planning Grant or the Onsite Project Grant opportunity through the Pennsylvania Ag Innovation Fund and be part of the Center for Dairy Excellence’s application to the Regional Impact Project Grant Opportunity, provided the same project is not funded by multiple applications.
What happens if the Center for Dairy Excellence application to the Pennsylvania Ag Innovation Fund is not approved? If the Center’s application is not awarded funding through the Pennsylvania Ag Innovation Fund, funding will not be available to fund Dairy Innovation Grants. When the Center is notified that our application is denied, the Center will notify individual farms to let them know that the application was not successful.
How do I receive payment if my project is accepted into the Center for Dairy Excellence program and the funds are awarded from the Pennsylvania Ag Innovation Fund? If the Center for Dairy Excellence Dairy Innovation Grant Program is awarded funds, the Center will have a contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Ag to receive funds to implement the Dairy Innovation Grant Program. Farms included in the program will submit invoices and receipts for the approved projects to the Center for Dairy Excellence and will receive reimbursement from the Center for Dairy Excellence for those receipts. Farms should plan for a 6-8 week turnaround on being reimbursed once invoices are submitted.
What is the application period? Due to the nature of this opportunity, the application period is only open from October 14 – November 1 to give the Center enough time to submit its application to the Pennsylvania Dairy Innovation Fund. No applications will be accepted after November 1.
Who do I ask additional questions to? Additional questions can be asked of Melissa Anderson, Program Manager, at manderson@centerfordairyexcellence.org or 717-788-0296.