Dairy Promotion or Research Program

The Dairy Promotion or Research Program is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets through funding provided by the Dairy Promotion Order. This program is designed to strengthen the dairy industry within New York State by supporting projects that increase consumer demand for milk and dairy products produced within the state. The Department operates under state authority and works to enhance agricultural markets, promote local production, and ensure the long-term viability of dairy producers. The program reflects a strategic investment in both marketing and research initiatives that can improve industry outcomes and public engagement with dairy products. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that market, promote, or conduct research on New York produced fluid milk and dairy products. The program emphasizes increasing consumption among various populations, including youth, diverse communities, and international markets, while also improving public perception of dairy farming practices. Projects may include educational campaigns, marketing strategies, product innovation research, and initiatives that highlight environmental stewardship and sustainability in dairy production. The program also encourages participation in national dairy promotion efforts and the development of new products or research that enhances quality, safety, and demand. Funding for this program totals over sixteen million dollars and is distributed through a competitive proposal process. Awards are made on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must incur eligible costs before receiving payment. The Department may withhold a portion of the funding until final reporting requirements are met and accepted. There is no matching fund requirement, which lowers the barrier to entry for eligible applicants. However, only reasonable and necessary expenses directly tied to the approved project during the contract period are eligible for reimbursement. Eligible applicants include private businesses that are not affiliated with the Dairy Promotion Order Advisory Board, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions. Government entities may also participate but must be registered within the Statewide Financial System. All applicants must comply with registration requirements and, where applicable, complete a prequalification process that can take several weeks. Projects must not promote specific brands or trade names, ensuring that funded efforts benefit the broader dairy industry rather than individual companies. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal including a work plan and budget. Proposals must be formatted as a PDF and submitted via email or mail to the Department by the stated deadline. Applicants may also submit supplemental video presentations to support their proposals. Required components include detailed descriptions of project objectives, performance metrics, organizational capacity, and a budget breakdown across defined categories such as salaries, contractual services, travel, and operating expenses. The proposal must clearly demonstrate how the project will achieve measurable outcomes aligned with program goals. Proposals are evaluated through a structured review process. First, the Department screens submissions for eligibility compliance. Eligible proposals are then reviewed and scored by the Dairy Promotion Order Advisory Board based on criteria such as project description quality, cost reasonableness, anticipated impact, performance measures, and organizational capability. Final funding decisions are made during an advisory board meeting scheduled in October, where applicants are encouraged to present their proposals and respond to questions. The program follows a defined timeline with key milestones including a question submission deadline in late August, a final proposal submission deadline in mid September, and project start dates beginning January 1 of the following year. Funded projects must be completed by December 31 within the contract year, with reporting requirements including quarterly progress updates and a final report within sixty days of project completion. While the program may consider multi year concepts, funding is awarded on a yearly basis, indicating a recurring opportunity structure for future cycles.

Ensure clear measurable outcomes, align with program goals, and demonstrate industry impact through metrics