Plan for Environmentally Responsible Growth<\/p>\n
(Aug. 2013) Governor Cuomo, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, has announced the Dairy Acceleration Program.
\nThis program is designed to enhance profitability of New York dairy farms and to maintain a commitment to environmentally responsible growth. The program will be delivered in collaboration with Cornell PRO-DAIRY and Cornell Cooperative Extension.<\/p>\n
Eligible projects assist New York dairy farmers to develop business plans for successful and environmentally responsible growth. Funds may be used for creation of strategic business plans focused on growth, design of new or remodeled facilities, or development of environmental and farmstead plans. Farms must have lactating dairy cattle.
\nEligibility:<\/p>\n
* \u00a0 Must be a dairy cattle farm
\n* \u00a0 Must have complete financial records for business planning
\n* \u00a0 Preference is given to farms with under 300 cows
\n* \u00a0 Must complete and submit an application<\/p>\n
Dairy Acceleration Program funding covers 80% of a project\u2019s cost. The farm is responsible for 20%, of the project cost, which is paid directly to the service provider, including any in excess of established limits.<\/p>\n
Funding may include:<\/p>\n
* \u00a0 Up to $5,000 per farm to write a business plan or to develop a combination of a business and facility growth plan
\n* \u00a0 \u00a0Up to $6,000 to develop a new Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) for farms under 300 cows
\n* \u00a0 Up to $4,500 to update an existing CNMP for farms under 300 cows
\n* \u00a0 Up to $3,600 for an initial and combined evaluation of financial an environmental needs of the farm for farms under 300 cows
\nBusiness planning to account for the cost of environmental improvements associated with growth of the dairy is encouraged.<\/p>\n
Agri-business personnel who wish to provide services for the Dairy Acceleration Program should contact Caroline Potter for more information at\u00a0cjh42@cornell.edu.<\/p>\n