The Choose Iowa Dairy Innovation Grant provides funding for Iowa-based dairy producers aiming to expand or modernize their dairy processing capabilities. The grant supports projects that establish or upgrade milk plants, mobile dairy processing units, or rental facilities for dairy processing. Eligible projects also include implementing labor-saving technology, such as robotics or computerized systems, to improve efficiency in milk production and storage.

A total of $750,000 is available in funding, with a maximum grant award of $100,000 per applicant. Applicants must match the grant funds on a one-to-one basis with private funding sources, such as cash or loans, and in-kind contributions are not accepted. For instance, a grant request of $5,000 would require a matching contribution of $5,000 from non-governmental sources. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis after the project is completed, and projects must be finished within 12 months of the grant award. Expenses incurred before the grant agreement is signed are not eligible for reimbursement.

To qualify, applicants must be Iowa-based businesses with fewer than 50 employees and must hold a permit from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Membership in the Choose Iowa brand program is not required. The application deadline for this grant cycle is November 27, 2024, at noon CST.