2022 September Board Book

Attracting New Workforce

2022 Internships

Interns are finalizing their spring/summer projects for CDIC. Eight students of diverse academic backgrounds and experience were selected from Fresno State University, CalPoly SLO, CalPoly Humboldt and Chapman University. Identifying innovation gaps, connecting with Hispanic processors, building a database of virtual short-courses and testing product applications were among the projects completed. The interns will also contribute to the success of CDIC’s educational program s by helping to promote the October CalPoly/CDIC Product, Process and Packaging Innovation conference and 2023 short-courses to a wider audience throughout California.

Academic Research Capacity

Dairy Business Innovation Initiative – Pacific Coast Coalition – Phase II, Phase III CDIC is a primary partner of the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, the $1.8 million grant awarded late 2021. In June, USDA awarded the Pacific Coast Coalition ~$19 million grant (2022-2026). The DBII Phase II will allow significant upgrades to our academic research capacity and geographic expansion. The program includes $9.5 million in grants to industry and dairy producers for product innovation-focused projects. Applications for a $1.7 million Phase III grants are in development to meet the September 6 deadline.