The term “dairy business” means a business that develops, produces, markets, or distributes dairy products.
The term “initiative” means a dairy product and business innovation initiative established under subsection (b).
A dairy promotion program shall not be eligible to host an initiative under this section.
An initiative may provide a grant on a noncompetitive basis to an entity that receives assistance under paragraph (1) to advance the business activities recommended as a result of that assistance.
An entity that hosts an initiative shall consult with the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, the Secretary, and the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service in carrying out the initiative.
The Secretary shall establish guidelines and procedures to prevent any conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest by an initiative (including a partner of the initiative) during the allocation of direct assistance under paragraph (1) or grant funding under paragraph (3).
The Secretary may suspend or terminate an initiative if the initiative (including a partner of the initiative) is found to be in violation of the guidelines and procedures established under subparagraph (A).
Not less than 50 percent of the funds made available under subsection (i) shall be allocated to grants under subsection (f)(3).
To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that funds provided to an initiative supplement, and do not duplicate or replace, existing dairy product research, development, and promotion activities.
Not later than January 31, 2022, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the outcomes of the program under this section and any related activities and opportunities to further increase dairy innovation.