Governor Hochul Announces $21 Million Initiative to Enhance Dairy Farm Sustainability and Water Quality in New York
Source: The DairyNews
Governor Kathy Hochul Jine 11 announced the allocation of $21 million for on-farm projects through the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Enhanced Nutrient and Methane Management Program (CAFO ENMP). This initiative aims to assist dairy farmers in improving water quality and mitigating climate change impacts. The announcement is part of a broader $55 million commitment from the FY25 Enacted Budget to reinforce New York State's leadership in the dairy industry.
The CAFO ENMP will distribute $21 million via County Soil and Water Conservation Districts to support dairy farms across the state. This funding will enable CAFO-permitted farmers to implement advanced manure management systems that sequester carbon and conserve nutrients, thereby enhancing water quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The program will also promote precision feed management to balance nutrients and minimize methane emissions.
In addition to this environmental initiative, Governor Hochul emphasized the state's ongoing support for the dairy industry, highlighting the $34 million allocated in the FY25 Budget for fluid milk storage technologies and major dairy manufacturing facility projects. These efforts are designed to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of dairy production and distribution in New York.
Governor Hochul also issued a proclamation recognizing June as Dairy Month, celebrating New York's prominent role in the national dairy industry. The state is the leading producer of cream cheese and yogurt, which has been designated as the official state snack. Various activities, including dairy tours and educational events, will take place throughout the month to promote the benefits of New York dairy products.
In her statement, Governor Hochul noted, “The dairy industry is a powerhouse of New York’s economy, creating thousands of local jobs while nourishing our communities statewide. 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.”
The CAFO ENMP funding announcement follows the Governor’s 2024 State of the State address and underscores her administration's commitment to modernizing and sustaining the dairy farming sector. The FY25 Budget also includes $81.8 million through the Environmental Protection Fund for agricultural programs like the Climate Resilient Farming grant program, which helps farms adopt sustainable practices.
Governor Hochul's administration has spearheaded significant investments in the dairy manufacturing sector, including a $650 million fairlife production plant in Webster, a $518 million Great Lakes Cheese facility in Franklinville, and a $30 million expansion of the Agri-Mark cheese facility in Chateaugay. These projects, among others, solidify New York’s position as a leading milk producer in the Northeast.
Many dairy processors in New York participate in the NYS Grown & Certified program, which emphasizes higher standards of food safety and environmental sustainability. With nearly 300 dairy processing plants and 51 certified dairy processors, New York continues to uphold its tradition of excellence in dairy production.
In celebration of Dairy Month, the Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball will tour several dairy farms and processing plants, and the Department will host Dairy Education Days for children. These events aim to educate the public about the nutritional importance of dairy products and the value of supporting local dairy farmers.
In addition to this environmental initiative, Governor Hochul emphasized the state's ongoing support for the dairy industry, highlighting the $34 million allocated in the FY25 Budget for fluid milk storage technologies and major dairy manufacturing facility projects. These efforts are designed to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of dairy production and distribution in New York.
Governor Hochul also issued a proclamation recognizing June as Dairy Month, celebrating New York's prominent role in the national dairy industry. The state is the leading producer of cream cheese and yogurt, which has been designated as the official state snack. Various activities, including dairy tours and educational events, will take place throughout the month to promote the benefits of New York dairy products.
In her statement, Governor Hochul noted, “The dairy industry is a powerhouse of New York’s economy, creating thousands of local jobs while nourishing our communities statewide. 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.”
The CAFO ENMP funding announcement follows the Governor’s 2024 State of the State address and underscores her administration's commitment to modernizing and sustaining the dairy farming sector. The FY25 Budget also includes $81.8 million through the Environmental Protection Fund for agricultural programs like the Climate Resilient Farming grant program, which helps farms adopt sustainable practices.
Governor Hochul's administration has spearheaded significant investments in the dairy manufacturing sector, including a $650 million fairlife production plant in Webster, a $518 million Great Lakes Cheese facility in Franklinville, and a $30 million expansion of the Agri-Mark cheese facility in Chateaugay. These projects, among others, solidify New York’s position as a leading milk producer in the Northeast.
Many dairy processors in New York participate in the NYS Grown & Certified program, which emphasizes higher standards of food safety and environmental sustainability. With nearly 300 dairy processing plants and 51 certified dairy processors, New York continues to uphold its tradition of excellence in dairy production.
In celebration of Dairy Month, the Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball will tour several dairy farms and processing plants, and the Department will host Dairy Education Days for children. These events aim to educate the public about the nutritional importance of dairy products and the value of supporting local dairy farmers.
