Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the allocation of over $15.8 million to 22 farms through the first round of the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Enhanced Nutrient and Methane Management Program (ENMP). This initiative aims to assist dairy farmers in implementing sustainable practices that protect water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The funding will support projects that enhance manure management systems, promoting carbon sequestration and nutrient conservation when applied to fields and soils. Additionally, the program encourages advancements in precision feed management to balance nutrients and reduce methane emissions. Collectively, these projects are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 122,833 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually, which is comparable to removing 28,651 gas-powered vehicles from the road each year.
The awarded projects span several regions in New York State, including the Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, and Western New York. For instance, the Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District received over $1 million to collaborate with two farms in the Chenango Watershed, while the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District was granted more than $3 million to work with three farms in the Seneca Watershed.
This funding is part of Governor Hochul’s broader commitment to support dairy farm modernization and sustainability, as outlined in her 2024 State of the State address. The Governor’s 2025 Executive Budget Proposal includes an additional $10 million to expand dairy processing capacity, support critical research, and implement climate-resilient practices on New York dairy farms.
New York State is home to nearly 3,000 dairy producers, making it the nation’s fifth-largest dairy state. The dairy industry is a cornerstone of New York’s economy, and this investment underscores the state’s dedication to sustainable agricultural practices while supporting the industry’s growth.
