The Dairy Acceleration Program is an initiative of Governor Cuomo, in partnership with the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The program is designed to enhance profitability of New York dairy farms and to maintain a commitment to environmentally responsible growth.

Funds may be used to:

- Hire a qualified business consultant to analyze feasibility of growth.
- Develop an initial combined evaluation of farm financial and environmental needs.
- Develop a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP).
- Update a CNMP with the assistance of an AEM certified planner.
- Develop design plans for new construction or to remodel facilities to support production growth.
- Create a farmstead development plan.

To be eligible, the business must be a dairy cattle farm. They must have complete financial records for business planning. Preference is given to farms under 300 cows. You must complete and submit an application.

The Dairy Acceleration Program funding covers 80% of a project's cost. The farm is responsible for 20% of the project cost, which is paid directly to the service provider, including any in excess of established limits.
Payments may include:
- up to $5,000 per farm to write a business plan or to develop a combination of a business and facility growth plan.
- Up to $6,000 to develop a new Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) for farms under 300 cows.
- Up to $4,500 to update an existing CNMP for farms under 300 cows.
- Up to $3,600 for an initial and combined evaluation of financial and environmental needs of the farm for farms under 300 cows. 

An application is available online (preferred), however it can be printed out and mailed to :PRO-DAIRY Dairy Acceleration Program, 272 Morrison Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853 For more information, see: http://ansci.cornell.edu/prodairy/dairy_acceleration/ Call the Dairy Acceleration Program at (315) 683-9268 or email: dap@cornell.edu for more information.