The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Monday announced that the Dairy Promotion Order (DPO) Advisory Board has issued an Invitation for Proposals for dairy and research promotion projects, as part of its $15 million checkoff fund. The invitation solicits proposals for marketing, promotion, and research projects that focus on increasing consumer demand for New York-produced fluid milk and dairy products and further ensuring dairy product safety.

Eligible applicants include non-profit entities, research institutions, and private businesses that are not affiliated with the DPO Advisory Board. Project proposals may not promote a specific brand or trade name.

To be considered for funding, applications are due September 1, 2021. Applications and additional information can be found on the Department's website.

Funding is made available directly from New York State dairy producers through the New York State Dairy Promotion Order Act, and is intended to help dairy farmers and processors further their reach to both domestic and international markets.

The DPO Advisory Board met on July 16 to finalize its priorities and goals for 2022. The Board identified nine goals to guide its work in boosting the dairy industry in New York State. The goals are:

1. Increase the consumption of New York milk and dairy products by youth (lunches, breakfasts, and other offerings)

2. Promote uniqueness of, and increase sales of, New York milk, dairy products and/or ingredients throughout the entire food supply chain through various distribution channels and partnerships, including but not limited to, e-commerce, curb-side sales, etc.

3. Proactively improve the image of dairy products and / or dairy producers' farming practices among consumers, thus improving the acceptance and consumption of New York milk and dairy products.

4. Improve communication to dairy producers and dairy stakeholders to inform them how they can assist in improving the consumption of New York milk and dairy products by highlighting the sustainability story.

5. Increase the sales and consumption of milk and dairy products produced in the US and exported to other countries.

6. Participate in national programs influencing increased consumption of milk and dairy products.

7. Create target marketing to promote the consumption of NYS Milk and dairy products to Gen Z (10 to 23 years old).

8. Develop and implement marketing strategies that are inclusive of the socially diverse population to increase the consumption of NYS milk and dairy products. 9. Conduct research projects that create new products and / or enhance the safety, quality, and sensory attributes to expand the demand for New York dairy products and dairy ingredients.

The DPO Advisory Board advises the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner on the disposition of approximately $15 million a year in funds collected from milk producers under the producer-approved New York Dairy Promotion Order. The DPO Advisory Board also makes recommendations on promotion and dairy product and research projects.

The Advisory Board consists of ten New York milk producers appointed by the Commissioner who serve a three-year term. The first New York State Dairy Promotion Advisory Board was appointed in May 1972 at the request of dairy producers. More information about the Board can be found at https://agriculture.ny.gov/dairy/dairy-promotion-order.

New York State has over 3,6000 dairy farms that produce approximately 15 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation's fourth largest dairy state. The dairy industry is the State's largest agricultural sector, contributing significantly to the State's economy by generating nearly half of the State's total agricultural receipts, and providing some of the highest economic multipliers in the State.