The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has launched a pilot program providing free grant consulting and grant-writing support to eligible dairy farmers. The initiative, conducted in partnership with grant services provider Lasso, aims to help farms identify and secure public funding for on-farm investments without the time burden and complexity typically associated with grant applications. The program is designed for farmers considering equipment upgrades, infrastructure improvements, or energy and efficiency projects who may be uncertain about available grant funding or how to navigate the application process. By reducing administrative burdens, the pilot allows farmers to focus on sustaining their family businesses while investing in their operations for future generations.
Selected participants will receive Lasso's comprehensive support at no cost, including identifying relevant grant opportunities, preparing applications, and managing post-award requirements. Lasso works directly with farms to understand their needs and match projects with federal, state, regional, and local grant programs. These include opportunities such as the Value-Added Producer Grant and the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative. The company reports a 90 percent success rate and has helped customers secure more than 70 grants, representing millions of dollars in funding for on-farm projects. Farmers can learn more about the organization by visiting https://thedairyalliance.com.
This program addresses a critical challenge in the agricultural sector where financial resources often go untapped due to application complexities. Many farmers have strong project ideas but lack the time or resources to navigate the grant process independently. The partnership between The Dairy Alliance and Lasso removes this barrier by providing expert guidance through every stage of the grant application process. This support enables dairy farmers to pursue funding opportunities more efficiently and effectively, potentially transforming their operations through strategic investments that might otherwise be inaccessible.
The implications of this initiative extend beyond individual farm improvements to broader economic and community benefits. When dairy farms secure funding for upgrades and innovations, they can enhance productivity, implement sustainable practices, and strengthen their long-term viability. This contributes to more resilient local food systems and rural economies across the eight Southeastern states served by the program. The pilot also includes potential case studies that will document project outcomes and demonstrate the tangible benefits of grant funding, creating valuable knowledge resources for the wider agricultural community. By making grant acquisition more accessible, this program represents a significant step toward leveling the playing field for family-owned dairy operations competing in an increasingly challenging agricultural landscape.
