WCMA Applauds Boost to DBII, Full-Year Funding for Nutrition Programs
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) is commending passage of one year of funding for both the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives program and key nutrition programs within the larger, short-term legislation to reopen the federal government.
This spending package, signed by President Trump Wednesday evening, includes $13.75 million in fiscal year 2026 for the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives, an increase of $1.75 million over 2025 funding. DBI centers, including one led by WCMA and the Center for Dairy Research to serve farmers and processors in an 11-state region, provide technical support and grants to businesses to develop new value-added products, expand processing capacity, reach new global markets, and strengthen market resilience.
“Dairy farmers and processors work hard every day to provide safe, nutritious food, while offering family-supporting careers and impactful community support,” said Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy. “Investments in the U.S. dairy industry are investments in our country’s food security and economic strength.”
WCMA thanks Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), who first created the DBI Initiatives in the 2018 Farm Bill and has continued to fight for its funding. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-Wisconsin 03) and Representative Salud Carbajal (D-California 24) are also key supporters of DBI.
The Congressional spending package also offers full, fiscal year funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including $107.5 billion to support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and $8.2 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) through the end of this fiscal year.
“The strength of our nation’s food supply chain is measured not only by its production numbers, but also by its ability to ensure every person can eat healthy foods,” said Sweeney. “In providing a full year of funding for SNAP and WIC, Congress has assured food security for our fellow Americans – an effort that every dairy processor can applaud.”