The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) awarded $295,000 in Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program grants to help dairy farmers, according to Senator Elder Vogel, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee.
“We recognized that our dairy farmers are struggling and it was essential for the state to step up to help protect this vital part of our economy,” said Senator Vogel, who operates a family farm in Beaver County that was established in the late 1800s. “The Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program directs money toward efforts that truly benefit farmers and help them develop and promote their products.”
The Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania was awarded two $97,750 grants for research and development of processing opportunities using microfiltered milk. Microfiltered milk is produced with the use of relatively new type of microfiltration technology which separates the casein proteins from the remaining whey proteins in milk. The technology has been widely adopted in Europe and delivers a large set of benefits that enhance cheese manufacturing.
The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association was awarded $100,000 to continue its “Choose PA Dairy, Goodness that Matters” campaign. The program features advertising and targeted public broadcasting to promote Pennsylvania dairy products including at a variety of key venues and events. The group received a $100,000 grant for the program in 2019.
“I am extremely pleased that the CFA is taking this step to help our dairy farmers and promote the fine products they produce,” said Senator Vogel. “These marketing programs truly make a difference.”
Contact: Matt Parido (717) 787-3076 mparido@pasen.gov