Today, I announced that paused Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiative program funds have now been released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. DBI Initiative is a critical program that supports dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products.

The release of DBI Initiative program funds comes just days after I spoke with Elon Musk and Secretary Rollins on the importance of DBI and protecting critical agricultural programs while DOGE issues funding and staffing recommendations to the Department of Agriculture.

I will always fight for our farmers. I am thrilled that USDA has resumed DBI Initiatives funding, which is crucial to the success and well-being of Wisconsin’s dairy industry. Our dairy farmers and processors work incredibly hard, and I commend Secretary Rollins for her swift action to ensure its continuation.

According to Rebekah Sweeney, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Senior Director of Programs & Policy, "Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s leadership was not just influential - but essential - to the expeditious release of Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives funding this week. We thank him for helping to make farmers’ and processors’ voices heard at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and for mobilizing his congressional allies to join him in that critical effort. We are truly grateful for Congressman Van Orden’s consistent support of dairy businesses, and his decisive and impactful action as we navigated this challenge to industry stability.”

Here's what Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation, had to say, “We are grateful to Secretary Rollins and the team at USDA for moving forward with funding for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives program, which supports the dairy industry’s ongoing innovation and cutting-edge advancement. We commend Representative Derrick Van Orden for his advocacy and support for continuing this important program.”

Adam Warthesen, Organic Valley Vice President of Government & Industry Affairs added the following, “American dairy is an economic engine for rural communities. Representative Derrick Van Orden carries that truth forward and was instrumental in making sure USDA dairy infrastructure resources, committed to farmers and businesses, are honored. We at Organic Valley appreciate his efforts along with other Wisconsin dairy champions in advancing the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative both today and into the future.”