Grants aimed at helping small farmers become more profitable and environmentally responsible are being offered though the state departments of conservation and agriculture.

Governor Cuomo, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, said the Dairy Acceleration Program is designed to enhance profitability of 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.

Eligible projects assist 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.

Eligibility:

• Must be a dairy cattle farm

• Must have complete financial records for business planning

• Preference is given to farms with under 300 cows

• Must complete and submit an application

Dairy Acceleration Program funding covers 80 percent of a project’s cost. The farm is responsible for 20 percent, of the project cost, which is paid directly to the service provider, including any in excess of established limits.

Funding may include:

• Up to $5,000 per farm to write a business plan or to develop a combination of a business and facility growth plan

• Up to $6,000 to develop a new Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) for farms under 300 cows

• Up to $4,500 to update an existing CNMP for farms under 300 cows

• Up to $3,600 for an initial and combined evaluation of financial an environmental needs of the farm for farms under 300 cows

Business planning to account for the cost of environmental improvements associated with growth of the dairy is encouraged.

Agri-business personnel who wish to provide services for the Dairy Acceleration Program should contact Caroline Potter for more information at cjh42@cornell.edu.

For more details visit the DAP Web site at: http://ansci.cornell.edu/prodairy/dairy_acceleration/.