$21 million announced via Governor Kathy Hochul to help New York dairy farmers protect water quality and reduce carbon footprint

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul announced this week a total of $21 million is available for on-farm projects through the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Enhanced Nutrient and Methane Management Program (CAFO ENMP), that will help farmers protect water quality and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Governor Hochul also highlighted the State’s overarching commitment to the dairy industry, including $34 million dedicated in the FY25 Enacted Budget for fluid milk storage technologies, the support of several major dairy manufacturing facility projects, and a number of promotional efforts designed to educate consumers about New York dairy products.

“The dairy industry is a powerhouse of New York’s economy, creating thousands of local jobs while nourishing our communities statewide,” Governor Hochul said.

“Dairy Month is an opportunity to celebrate our tremendous dairy farmers and manufacturers and we are working to ensure they can continue putting these products on the tables of New Yorkers for years to come.”

To help farmers mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce their carbon footprint, CAFO ENMP will provide $21 million, through Soil and Water Conservation Districts, to dairy farms across the state.

The program will help CAFO-permitted farmers implement projects that enhance manure management systems that sequester carbon and conserve manure nutrients applied to fields and soil to benefit water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The program also supports advancements in precision feed management to balance nutrients and reduce methane emissions.

A total of $14 million is available for eligible projects in the first round of the program, and $7 million is available for the second round.

The Governor also issued a proclamation for National Dairy Month, 2024.

New York Governor's Office image.