Costa Hosts Under-Sec. Moffitt to Announce $20 Million Grant Awarded to Fresno State Dairy Initiative

Fresno, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa, a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under-Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Jenny Lester Moffitt to highlight a nearly $20 million grant awarded to Fresno State for the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiative.

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products. Through funding from the American Rescue Plan and Fiscal Year 2021 budget, which Costa voted for and helped pass, this grant provides innovative opportunities to Fresno State students and helps strengthen California's dairy industry.

"California leads the nation in milk production, yet dairy farms continue to face significant challenges with climate change and other factors," said Costa. "Fresno State is a leader in growing the next generation of innovative dairymen and women. This effort will strengthen the California dairy market by providing research for on-the-ground needs while also enhancing opportunities for students to work in the dairy industry."

"It was great to be here with Rep. Jim Costa to see the work of the Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative housed at Fresno State. This initiative is one of four DBI programs providing targeted resources and subawards to dairy farmers and businesses,"said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. "With the recently announced $80 million in additional funding divided evenly among the four DBIs, the Pacific Coast Coalition DBI will be able to increase its resources, and continue to develop critical relationships with local dairy producers and processors to support their on-the-ground needs."

"The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology is pleased to be a lead partner for the Pacific Coast Coalition of the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative. We are appreciative of the nearly $20 million in grant support from USDA that is making this possible. Dr. Licon and Dr. Pheasant have done a great job pulling together cooperators from other campuses and dairy groups to launch this effort that will engage students, train industry personnel and help innovate new processes and products. We are excited to see what happens in the future." said Dr. Dennis Nef, Dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Science and Technology

Fresno State is partnering with the California Dairy Innovation Center to create a "Pacific Coast Coalition" to support dairy businesses in California, Oregon, and Washington in the production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products. Fresno State students will benefit from a new internship program and research positions that will prepare them for future employment opportunities in the dairy industry. Learn more about the initiative here.

The DBI Initiative supports dairy businesses in the production, development, marketing, and distribution of dairy products. DBI Initiatives provide technical assistance and grants to dairy businesses, and farms.

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