2025 May Board Book

Multi-Strategies Activities

Innovation Grants for Industry Following a temporary suspension in February, the Pacific Coast Coalition grants resumed in March. CDIC also receives also funding from PCC.

CDIC staff worked with California processors applying for USDA Value-Added Producers Grants, which help agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products,

create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. Grants of up to $250,000 are available through this program, with approximately $30 million in total available funding

Diversifying Product Portfolio

Applications for products rich in Milk Fat Globule Membrane Materials developed at UC Davis. The Dairy Mindworks challenge at UC Davis attracted five teams of food scientists which developed proof of concept products with novel milk fat globule membrane materials ingredients, building upon primary research conducted at UC Davis on the topic of milk fat and cognitive function. Product included ice creams and beverages with beta serum (from AMF production),

Vietnamese-style frozen dessert with fresh butter serum (from butter production), and tea/coffee beverages with whey protein phospholipids.

Hilmar, Valley Milk and Straus Family Dairy provided novel ingredients for proof of concept development, mentored, sponsored student teams and participated as judges in the final event.