2023 March Board Book

Multi-Strategies Activities

Small Plant Feasibility Study The study is in its final stages and a draft of preliminary recommendations was presented to CMAB staff and the Board’s Executive Committee in January. Next steps will feature the development of a long-term plan for implementation of prioritized strategies within the scope of CMAB’s mission , and across multiple departments.

Innovation Grants for Industry CDIC worked with Fresno State to prepare announcements for the second round of grants due at the end of February. CDIC communicated widely the availability of the grants, and provided information and assistance to California producers and pamphlet/information distributed at all CMAB producers meetings, as well as through direct emails to > 100 California processors. The total to be awarded as part of this round is $4.15 million, with grants ranging from <$50,000 to $1 million. processors interested in applying. A press release was prepared, and

Product, Process and Packaging Innovation Mini -Conference & Workshop Save the Date - September 7, 2023, Fresno State

CDIC started planning its first mini-conference and workshop at Fresno State, scheduled for September 7, 2023, with support from the DBII/Pacific Coast Coalition. The program Committee members will work on topics and help select speakers. • The one-day event will feature presentations on dairy foods market trends, innovations in products, process and packaging. • The location in the Valley, and one-day format, will allow for broader participation from personnel with dairy companies, as well as from students at Fresno State and regional community colleges. • Scholarships will be available for a small set of students, and several networking and exhibiting opportunities are being planned.

Driving Export Sales The Export Department of CMAB is following-up on the Agri-Gate, bulk milk shipping potential project.