USDA awards Dairy Farmers of America up to US$46M to expand market access

USA – Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has been awarded up to US$46 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program — an investment designed to open new market pathways, help farmer-owners stay competitive.

This grant is especially meaningful for small farms, many of which are interested in conservation practices and can benefit from additional resources to make implementation more accessible. 

By designating funding to support conservation practices on farms, USDA is helping remove barriers and opening the door for more producers to participate in stewardship efforts they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue.  

Through this multi-year voluntary program, DFA will partner with farmer-owners to accelerate the adoption of conservation practices that align with evolving customer expectations and marketplace demands. 

Championing these innovations strengthens environmental stewardship, unlocks access to premium and emerging markets, generates diversified revenue opportunities, and ensures DFA farmer-owners remain leaders in a dynamic and competitive marketplace.

“We’re excited to see the federal government make this kind of meaningful investment in farms at a time when milk prices are especially challenging,” said Hansel New, Assistant Vice President of Sustainability Strategy and Programs, Dairy Farmers of America.

“By supporting on-farm improvements and connecting producers to these new market opportunities, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for U.S. dairy. And it’s particularly encouraging to see the USDA dedicate funding to help small farms implement these practices — a commitment that will make a real difference for producers across the country.” 

By accelerating the adoption of these practices, the grant helps DFA farmers position themselves at the forefront of value-added market opportunities.

It links work in the pasture to premium prices in emerging markets, creating a diversified revenue stream that can help buffer against volatility in standard milk prices.

Dairy Farmers of America to receive US$45m from USDA to scale methane emissions reductions

In 2022, the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) was among the 70 selected projects to receive US$2.8 billion under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity.

The USA government, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), invested up to US$45 million in DFA to scale methane emissions reductions and increase soil carbon sequestration on USA dairy farms as well as develop and market climate-smart, low-carbon dairy products.

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