Farmers are at the heart of the Dairy Protein Institute.
DPI was created to ensure producers receive an equitable share of the value generated by dairy-based innovation. By becoming a Farmer Shareholder, you gain ownership in the discoveries, technologies, and products that emerge from DPI’s work—regardless of herd size.
This is your opportunity to help shape the future of dairy and benefit directly from it.
How it works
DPI is a farmer-backed innovation and commercialization hub. When you join as a Farmer Shareholder, you become part of a growing network of producers who collectively support—and benefit from—the advancement of dairy innovation.
Here’s what the model looks like:
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You commit to a modest, one-time stock share investment, giving you ownership and voting rights within DPI.
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We identify promising ideas, support research, test technologies, and accelerate commercialization across food, nutrition, wellness, pharma, beauty, and emerging sectors.
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When innovations move to market, DPI receives intellectual property rights, licensing income, partnerships, or commercialization returns.
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DPI channels value and equity back to its Farmer Shareholders, creating new income opportunities tied directly to the progress of dairy innovation.
Benefits
Being a Farmer Shareholder gives you more than ownership—it gives you influence, opportunity, and a seat at the table as the industry evolves.
Economic Benefits
Share in IP and commercialization returns generated by DPI projects
New revenue opportunities outside traditional milk sales
Long-term equity as innovations scale and expand
Innovation Access
Early insight into technologies, ingredients, and solutions shaping dairy’s future
Opportunities to participate in pilot projects and field testing
Access to industry and academic partners through DPI’s network
Representation & Influence
A direct voice in setting priorities for dairy innovation
Voting rights and input into DPI’s strategic direction
Participation that is equitable for all producers—whether 100 cows or 10,000
Community & Support
Connection to a progressive and collaborative ecosystem
Opportunities to learn, engage, and grow with peers
The confidence of knowing your investment advances the future of dairy
Eligibility
Becoming a Farmer Shareholder is designed to be simple, fair, and inclusive.
Who Can Join?
Any dairy producer located within the region DPI serves
Both small and large operations
Family-run dairies, partnerships, and multi-site producers
What’s Required?
Completion of a short application
A one-time stock share investment
A commitment to supporting collaborative, farmer-centered innovation
There are no minimum herd size requirements and no barriers based on production volume. Every producer deserves an equitable opportunity to participate.
How to Join
Joining DPI as a Farmer Shareholder is quick and straightforward.
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Submit Your Application
Tell us a bit about your dairy operation. It only takes a few minutes.
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Confirm & Sign Agreement
We’ll review your information, answer any questions, and walk you through the final enrollment steps.
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Welcome to DPI
You’ll receive access to updates, invitations, shareholder communications, and the full ecosystem of innovations happening.
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Participate & Benefit
As DPI advances projects and brings innovations to market, you’ll be part of the process—and part of the value created.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few common questions from producers considering membership.
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Membership includes a modest, one-time investment based on milk production designed to make participation accessible to operations of all sizes. Exact pricing is available in the application form.
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When DPI commercializes new technologies, ingredients, or products, associated value and IP returns flow back into the Farmer Shareholder program.
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No. DPI is a commercialization and innovation institute, but it functions with a farmer-first equity model. Membership gives you ownership and influence—not operational obligations.
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Participation in trials or research is completely optional. You choose your level of involvement.
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Absolutely. DPI was designed to be equitable regardless of herd size. All producers are welcome.
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Commercialization timelines vary. DPI’s long-term goal is to bring multiple innovations to market in the coming years, with value returning to farmers as those innovations scale.
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DPI is led by a team of experienced industry, research, and innovation professionals—working alongside dairy producers and partners across the ecosystem.
Dairy innovation is accelerating—and farmers deserve to be at the center of it. By joining DPI as a Farmer Shareholder, you’re helping build a more resilient, equitable future for dairy while gaining ownership in the breakthroughs shaping tomorrow.
Become part of the progress.
