Pacific Coast Coalition – Dairy Business Innovation Initiative

The PCC-DBII supports dairy farmers and businesses across six Western states through funding, resources and partnerships.

Funded through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and hosted by California State University, Fresno, the PCC-DBII also collaborates with these partners to enhance its impact.

Grants

$4.1 million available to Dairy Processors in January 2024

Applications will open January 2 – February 29, 2024

Open to applicants in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington. This fourth round of funding will include pandemic recovery (such as price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19), as the majority of those monies are derived from the federal CARES Act.

Funded Projects

Our grantees are focusing on products and methods connected to value-added product development, product line expansion, alternative processing technologies and sustainability enhancement methods that increase profitability.

Three people working on a cheese project at Fresno State University

Partnerships

Vigorous partnerships are key to addressing the significant issues facing the Pacific Coast region’s dairy industry. Our noteworthy network of academic and business partners enables the PCC-DBII initiative to leverage the technical and research capabilities that will power its success. 

eLearning HUB

Explore PCC’s eLearning HUB to access webinars, trainings and videos, as well as MILKulture research. You can also explore innovative product ideas and get help for questions or issues regarding your dairy technology.

graphic containing a computer, icons, and dairy worker.

News at the Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative

See our latest workshops, announcements, and other news.

PCC Instagram Story Takeovers

PCC Instagram Story Takeovers

PCC-DBII and Grantee Cross-Promotion: Instagram Story Takeovers In August 2023, we launched our Instagram Story Takeover program. We invited all Round 1 and Round 2 grantees to participate in the program and select a day to take over PCC’s Instagram Stories and share...

Round 3 Grant Application Deadline

Round 3 Grant Application Deadline

Applications for Round 3 grants must be received by 11:59 p.m. on September 29, 2023. Who is eligible to apply for this grant award? Applicants must operate a dairy farm or dairy processing plant in California, Oregon, and/or Washington and propose a purchase of new...

Upcoming Events

PCC-DBII on Instagram

Elevating fine dining to new heights! 🍽️✨ American, Ricotta, and Gorgonzola cheeses are stealing the spotlight as the fastest-growing stars in upscale culinary experiences according to the Specialty Foods Association Distributors Committee. 🧀 Say cheese and savor the rich flavors of innovation in every bite! #DairyPCC #Cheese #FineDining #DairyInnovation #Dairy

Elevating fine dining to new heights! 🍽️✨ American, Ricotta, and Gorgonzola cheeses are stealing the spotlight as the fastest-growing stars in upscale culinary experiences according to the Specialty Foods Association Distributors Committee. 🧀 Say cheese and savor the rich flavors of innovation in every bite! #DairyPCC #Cheese #FineDining #DairyInnovation #Dairy

We hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving surrounded by their friends and family. We are very grateful for our partners, grantees, and followers for showing their continuous support for this initiative. Remember to give thanks to all of the hardworking farmers who were able to produce this amazing food. We're thankful for the incredible journey from farm to table and for the smiles that dairy products bring to your faces. We hope that as you spend time with loved ones this holiday weekend, you are able to celebrate with a glass of milk and pumpkin pie or share a cheese platter and wine with friends. #DairyPCC #Thanksgiving #Grateful #GiveThanks

We hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving surrounded by their friends and family. We are very grateful for our partners, grantees, and followers for showing their continuous support for this initiative. Remember to give thanks to all of the hardworking farmers who were able to produce this amazing food. We're thankful for the incredible journey from farm to table and for the smiles that dairy products bring to your faces. We hope that as you spend time with loved ones this holiday weekend, you are able to celebrate with a glass of milk and pumpkin pie or share a cheese platter and wine with friends. #DairyPCC #Thanksgiving #Grateful #GiveThanks

✨Dive into the world of cheese tasting!🧀
“As prices rise, shops need to be full service, cut to order. What sets us apart is tasting for almost every item, very selective in curation, helping customers see value separate from price" - Raymond Hook, Capella Cheese, Atlanta - Quote from Specialty Foods Association Distributors Committee #DairyPCC #Cheese #BeyondThePrice #CheeseTasting

✨Dive into the world of cheese tasting!🧀 “As prices rise, shops need to be full service, cut to order. What sets us apart is tasting for almost every item, very selective in curation, helping customers see value separate from price" - Raymond Hook, Capella Cheese, Atlanta - Quote from Specialty Foods Association Distributors Committee #DairyPCC #Cheese #BeyondThePrice #CheeseTasting

In case you missed it! You can view recordings of all our webinars with Dr. Andrew Hurley using the link in our bio! #DairyPCC #Cheese #Packaging #DairyProcessing #Sustainability #Webinar #DairyInnovation

In case you missed it! You can view recordings of all our webinars with Dr. Andrew Hurley using the link in our bio! #DairyPCC #Cheese #Packaging #DairyProcessing #Sustainability #Webinar #DairyInnovation

Grantee Feature Friday: @leoleogelato (Paso Robles, CA) has a little something for everyone -- over 24 rotating flavors in sorbet, sandwiches, and gelato. This funding supports upgrades to the current plant, increases the amount of milk sourced from @calpolydairy, and helps to hire new employees. #DairyPCC #GranteeFeatureFriday #Gelato #Dairy

Grantee Feature Friday: @leoleogelato (Paso Robles, CA) has a little something for everyone -- over 24 rotating flavors in sorbet, sandwiches, and gelato. This funding supports upgrades to the current plant, increases the amount of milk sourced from @calpolydairy, and helps to hire new employees. #DairyPCC #GranteeFeatureFriday #Gelato #Dairy

🧀 Campus cravings are on the rise! 📈 From the lecture hall to the dining hall, Mozzarella Parmesan and Blue Cheese are stealing the spotlight at US colleges according to the Specialty Foods Association Distributors Committee 🎓 #DairyPCC #Cheese #College #Dairy #CheeseMarket

🧀 Campus cravings are on the rise! 📈 From the lecture hall to the dining hall, Mozzarella Parmesan and Blue Cheese are stealing the spotlight at US colleges according to the Specialty Foods Association Distributors Committee 🎓 #DairyPCC #Cheese #College #Dairy #CheeseMarket