(MODA) The State of Missouri’s FY18 budget signed by Gov. Eric Greitens made available $660,000 to fund a dairy risk management program created by the Missouri Dairy Revitalization Act. The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA), housed within the Missouri Department of Agriculture, will begin accepting applications for the program in early 2018. “I applaud Gov. Greitens for making this a priority and supporting the Missouri dairy industry, which employs 23,000 Missourians and generates an estimated $7.5 billion in economic output annually,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “The dairy industry worked for this for several years, and MASBDA is ready to go to work for them.” The Margin Insurance Premium Assistance program was established by the Missouri General Assembly to assist Missouri dairy farmers with the cost of their participation in the federal margin protection program. Eligible dairy farmers may be reimbursed up to 70 percent of their federal premium, excluding the USDA Farm Service Agency administrative fees. Dairy farmers applying for reimbursement will be required to submit full proof of federal premium payment for each year that reimbursement is requested. Applications will close on Feb. 28, 2018.