The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets today announced that the Dairy Promotion Order (DPO) Advisory Board has issued a Request for Applications for dairy and research promotion projects, as part of its more than $16 million checkoff fund. The invitation solicits proposals for projects that market, promote, and research New York-produced fluid milk and dairy products with the goal of expanding the types of dairy products available and increasing consumer demand for and consumption of New York dairy products.
Eligible applicants include non-profit entities, research institutions, and private businesses that are not affiliated with the DPO Advisory Board. Project applications may not promote a specific brand or trade name.
To be considered for funding, applications should be submitted to the Department on or before August 15. Applications and additional information can be found on the Department’s website at agriculture.ny.gov/dairy/dairy-promotion-order.
Funding is made available directly from New York State dairy producers through the New York State Dairy Promotion Order Act and is intended to help dairy farmers and processors further their reach to both domestic and international markets.
The DPO Advisory Board most recently met on June 17 to discuss its priorities and goals for 2026. The Board identified ten goals to guide its work in boosting the dairy industry in New York State. The goals are:
- Increase the consumption of New York milk and dairy products by youth (lunches, breakfasts, and other offerings).
- Promote the uniqueness of, and increased sales of, New York milk, dairy products and/or ingredients throughout the entire food supply chain through various distribution channels and partnerships, including but not limited to e-commerce, curb-side sales, etc.
- Positively influence the public perception of dairy products and / or dairy producers’ practices among consumers while highlighting the impact of local production on New York communities.
- Improve the consumption of New York milk and dairy products by highlighting progressive dairy farm best management practices and environmental stewardship.
- Increase the sales and consumption of milk and dairy products produced in the US and exported to other countries.
- Participation in national programs influencing increased consumption of milk and dairy products.
- Create target marketing to promote the consumption of NYS milk and dairy products to youth and their caregivers.
- Develop and implement marketing strategies that are inclusive of the socially diverse population to increase the consumption of New York State milk and dairy products.
- Conduct research projects that create new products and/or enhance the safety, quality, and sensory attributes to expand the demand for New York dairy products and dairy ingredients.
- Develop a research study identifying opportunities and challenges to the vitality of the dairy industry that can be used to educate consumers ensuring the growth of dairy processing in New York State.
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