NEW YORK STATE — Consultation grant funding is now made available for organic dairy producers in New York State through the partnership of the New York Organic Dairy Program (NYODP) and the New York Farm Viability Institute. According to an announcement by Cornell University, producers who participate in the Cornell Organic Dairy Farm Business Summary (DFBS) program can select a project for immediate attention through a modified Dairy Profit Team approach.

DFBS is a confidential program that collects operating and financial information from an individual farm to produce a report that the farm operator can use to identify areas where the farm is doing well and areas that need improvement. The summary also helps analyze if the farm is meeting the financial and long-term goals of the farm business. If enough similar farms participate, the DFBS will create benchmarks against which the owners of farms of similar sizes can measure their performance. Farms currently participating in the DFBS and those that have not completed a DFBS before are both eligible for funding. Priority for grants will be given to certified organic dairies; however, farms transitioning to organic are encouraged to apply.

Farmers requesting project funds will be required to work with NYODP to document their desired goal, and projects must be achievable within 18 months of the formation of the consultant ‘team.’ Examples of projects include, but are not limited to, developing a business plan, enhancing transitioning practices and constructing facilities. NYODP will provide up to $1,500 for the consultant and team to complete its project work.

Guidelines and application form for the NYODP consultant and project grants are posted online at blogs.cornell.edu/organicdairyinitiative/. For more information, contact Fay Benson at 607/391-2669 or afb3@cornell.edu.