Value Added Dairy Initiative

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, working with state, federal and private partners, developed the Value Added Dairy Initiative (VADI) to help restore and reinvigorate its transitioning dairy sector. The initiative is federally-funded, and matched by in-kind contributions of agencies and organizations within Wisconsin's dairy sector.

Two groups lead the initiative:

Grow Wisconsin Dairy Team
This cohesive team of Wisconsin interagency members coordinates and focuses resources for dairy farmers modernizing their businesses and for processors streamlining the supply chain. Since 2004, the team has administered more than $1.5 million in grants to the dairy industry and provided technical assistance to nearly 500 farms. This assistance is acting as a catalyst for reinvestment and innovation in the dairy sector. Learn more about the team and download a grant application here.

Dairy Business Innovation Center
This non-profit organization was created as part of the Initiative to provide technical assistance to new and emerging specialty dairy businesses. With its team of 20 world-class dairy experts, the DBIC has collaborated with DATCP to provide an array of services to 145 clients and implemented more than 70 projects since its start in 2004. Read more about the team, its mission and services here.

Annual Reports
The Value Added Dairy Initiative has worked hard to measure its success.

Value Added Dairy Initiative Annual Report 2006-07 (4 page PDF)
Wisconsin continued to innovate and grow its $20.6 billion dairy industry, with more processors and producers choosing to modernize and reinvest in their operations in 2006.

Value Added Dairy Initiative Annual Report 2005-06 (6 page PDF)
2005 will be remembered as a banner year for increased milk production, increased herd numbers, record reinvestment in dairy operations and more focus on specialty dairy.

Value Added Dairy Initiative Annual Report 2004-05 (4 page PDF)
In 2004, more Wisconsin dairy producers and processors modernized and reinvested in operations, while others focused on adding value to their operations through developing new signature dairy products.

Question & Answers on the Value Added Dairy Initiative (3 page PDF) Why is it needed? What are the specific components? Find the answers here.

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