Governor Kathy Hochul announced that 22 New York farms have been awarded over $15.8 million in funding through the first round of the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Enhanced Nutrient and Methane Management Program.
The funding aims to help farmers protect water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the state’s commitment to dairy farm modernization and sustainability.
Governor Hochul said,
The dairy industry is a cornerstone of New York’s economy. I am proud to help our farmers reduce their carbon footprint while continuing to put world-class products on the tables of New Yorkers for generations to come.
It also advances precision feed management to balance nutrients and reduce methane emissions.
The estimated greenhouse gas reduction for all projects is 122,833 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year, comparable to removing 28,651 gas-powered vehicles from the road annually.
The funding is distributed through the State’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts across two tracks.
Track A focuses on Nutrient and GHG Management Best Management Practices Systems, while Track B supports Manure Storage Cover and Flare Projects.
Notable awards include $3.19 million to the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District for projects in the Seneca Watershed and $1.91 million to the Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District for work in the Cattaraugus Watershed.
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball praised the initiative, saying,
This funding is a true testament to the value of helping our farmers transition to climate-safe practices that preserve our natural resources while continuing to protect their businesses and nourish our communities.
Interim Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Sean Mahar, added,
DEC applauds Governor Hochul’s continued investments to bolster the sustainability of New York’s agricultural industry.
The FY 2025 Budget under Governor Hochul’s leadership includes additional funding to support the dairy industry, with $34 million allocated over two years to expand on-farm milk storage capacity and improve efficiencies.
The budget also invests nearly $82 million in agricultural stewardship programs, including the Climate Resilient Farming grant program.
New York is home to nearly 3,000 dairy producers, producing 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, making it the nation’s fifth-largest dairy state.
Dairy farming accounts for half of the state’s agricultural economy, underscoring the importance of initiatives that support sustainability and environmental health.
You can now read the most important #news on #eDairyNews #Whatsapp channels!!!
🇺🇸 eDairy News INGLÊS: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKsjzGDTkJyIN6hcP1K
