The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has announced a Request for Applications for dairy promotion and research projects. This initiative is part of the Dairy Promotion Order (DPO) Advisory Board’s $16 million checkoff fund aimed at promoting New York-produced fluid milk and dairy products.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball stated, “The work of the Dairy Promotion Order Advisory Board is critical to the continued research and promotion of the State’s dairy industry, and to the education of consumers about the importance of dairy to our economy, our communities, and our health. I encourage all eligible applicants to apply to this funding opportunity to help advance New York’s dairy industry through important research and promotion projects.”
Eligible entities include non-profit organizations, research institutions, and private businesses not affiliated with the DPO Advisory Board. Proposals should not promote specific brands or trade names. The deadline for applications is August 15, 2025, with further details available on the Department’s website.
Funding comes from New York State dairy producers via the Dairy Promotion Order Act. It aims to assist farmers in expanding their market reach both domestically and internationally.
The DPO Advisory Board met recently on June 17 to outline its priorities for 2026. Among these are increasing youth consumption of New York milk products, enhancing public perception of local dairy practices, improving environmental stewardship in farming practices, boosting exports, developing inclusive marketing strategies, conducting product safety research, and identifying industry challenges.
The DPO Advisory Board advises on managing funds collected from milk producers under the state-approved Dairy Promotion Order. Comprising ten appointed milk producers serving three-year terms since its inception in May 1972 at producers’ request.
New York hosts around 3,000 dairy farms producing over 16 billion pounds of milk annually as one of America’s top five dairy states. The sector significantly impacts New York’s economy by contributing nearly half its agricultural receipts.
