MN: Bongards Creameries to Expand Opportunities in the Heartland, Creating/Retaining Jobs

Rural Development Partners (RDP) has awarded Bongards Creameries $20 million in New Markets Tax Credit financing for equipment toward the expansion of its cheese and whey processing facility in Perham, Minn. The funding will allow Bongards to increase production capacity, improve efficiency & quality, and increase milk purchases—creating/retaining 158 direct jobs and stimulating 389 indirect jobs that support operations.

"RDP is honored to help Bongards expand its operations in Perham. The added capacity will allow them to continue to service their existing members while bringing on additional patrons. Bongards has always paid a premium to their members which is vital to the long-term viability of family farms in Minnesota." – Dan Helgeson, CEO of RDP

While the dairy industry has grown by 4.5% nationally over five years, Minnesota growth has remained relatively unchanged. Bongards expansion will allow growth at a time the region suffered the loss of a Creamery just 3 hours from the Perham facility, leaving 40 Minnesota and Wisconsin dairy farms without buyers for their milk. The expansion will increase milk intake by approximately 1.4 million pounds per day, boosting member payments by approximately $60 million or $225,000 annually.

"The New Markets Tax Credit program has been and continues to be instrumental in our ability to continue to provide the maximum value for the milk of our members, while ensuring we are building a cooperative that will be here for future generations. The Community Development Entities that partner with us understand the need to support our farmers and building for the future. They are wonderful partners in our mission of long-term success and service to our farmer owners." – Chris Freeman, CFO of Bongards