New York State is to make nearly $21 million available to help dairy farmers turn agricultural waste to energy by generating biogas through anaerobic digestion.

The funding, announced by Governor, Andrew M. Cuomo, is intended to help develop individual business and environmental plans to reduce operating costs and increase profitability.

According to New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the funding for these efforts stem from recommendations made at Governor Cuomo's Yogurt Summit in 2012 to ensure that the industry continues to grow and create jobs in New York State.

Starting on January 17, $20 million will be available through NYSERDA to install anaerobic digestion technology, with farms, food processing manufacturers or municipal wastewater sites eligible for up to $2 million per project.

Additionally, NYSERDA said that funding for the Dairy Acceleration Program (DAP) will be increased by $850,000, which is in addition to the $1 million announced this August.

DAP is jointly funded by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and DEC and is claimed to be being well received by dairy farmers across the state, most with herds under 300 cows.

Payments under DAP may include: up to $5000 per farm to write a business plan or develop a combination of a business and facility growth plan; and up to $4500 to update an existing Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or $6000 to develop a new one.

"The anaerobic digester funding coupled with the Dairy Acceleration Program funding is another step the State is taking, under Governor Cuomo, to assist farmers in reducing their operating costs and in generating clean energy," explained John B. Rhodes, president and CEO of NYSERDA.

"Farmers that utilise anaerobic digester technology are able to produce renewable energy and lower their costs while providing a number of environmental benefits to their local communities," he added.

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