New York dairy farmers and cooperatives are being being reminded to apply for the Dairy Modernization Grant Program. Over $21 million is available through the program to help New York’s dairy farmers and agricultural marketing cooperatives expand on-farm milk storage capacity and support projects that will improve the transportation and storage of milk. Applications will be accepted through 3 p.m. on February 14, 2025.
First announced in Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State address, this grant program was created to provide unprecedented support to New York’s dairy farmers and improve dairy supply chain efficiency. Awarded projects ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 will help offset costs of critical technology and infrastructure that will improve storage solutions and avoid the need for raw milk dumping during emergency events.
The Dairy Modernization Grant program is being administered by the Farm and Food Growth Fund. Funding will be awarded to eligible applicants for projects that seek to expand on-farm milk storage capacity; improve efficiencies; invest in milk transfer systems and cooling technologies; and more. Examples of eligible projects include the purchase/installation of milk storage tanks, including bulk tanks and milk silos; milk tankers for transport; milk pipelines; upgraded glycol chillers; farm milk loading systems; and more. Full details regarding project eligibility and directions to submit applications can be found at ffgrowthfund.org/dairymodernization. In addition, a new Frequently Asked Questions document is also available here: ffgrowthfund.org/_files/ugd/bf84f0_5914119d38e0487692750351ef125b25.pdf
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