Organic Dairy Producer Resources

Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program

Certified organic dairy operations that produce milk from cows, goats, and sheep are eligible for financial assistance through USDA’s new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). ODMAP provides a one-time payment of $0.825 per hundredweight (cwt) of an operation’s 2023 total projected organic milk sales up to 5 million pounds. For a more detailed breakdown of cost calculations visit the Federal Register here.

To apply, contact FSA at your local USDA Service Center. FSA will accept applications from May 24, 2023, through August 11, 2023. Be prepared to provide the following documentation: 

  • Form FSA-630 which requires a monthly record of production. Recommended: use this optional worksheet to help demonstrate costs and help build awareness at FSA and USDA about the true costs of organic production. 
  • Your farm’s certification of 2022 milk production in hundredweight.
  • Certification of organic status confirming operation as an organic dairy in 2023 and 2022. If your operation has not received its 2023 certificate the 2022 is valid for 2023. The anniversary date is the date on which a certified operation must submit its annual updated paperwork.

Business and Personal Support

NY FarmNet 

NY Farm Net guides NY State farms through periods of transition, opportunity, or challenge by providing free, confidential, on-farm consulting services. Services include financial and business planning and personal wellbeing. 

Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship (CADE)

CADE is a community of agricultural entrepreneurs and specialists working to build a vibrant food system. Their services include dairy farm support programming to increase the profitability and long-term viability of dairy farms in our region. 

Farm Aid

Farm Aid’s Farmer Hotline provides immediate and effective support services for farm families in crisis. Call or email for local and national resources, especially for organic dairy farmers.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Phone: 800-273-8255

Financial Support

Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center 

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets manages the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, one of three USDA Dairy Business Innovation Centers (DBIC) in the U.S. and serves all New England states, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The Northeast DBIC provides support to dairy businesses, including organic dairy producers, through projects that promote the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products. Projects target dairy farms and processors while providing additional support through market research and technical assistance.

Upcoming Farm-Focused Grants include:

Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant
This grant for dairy farmers will fund a wide range of projects that prioritize long-term farm viability and climate/economic resilience. The most competitive projects will include the direct involvement of a service provider, business planner, farm succession planner, or technical assistance provider to demonstrate a strategic, long-term approach to their grant project investment. This grant is expected to be released in October 2023. Awards will range from $15,000 – $100,000 with a 25% match commitment.

Milk Storage & Handling Grant
This grant provides funds for farmers to purchase needed supplies related to streamlined milk pickup, efficient milk storage, and improved handling abilities for both farmers and their processors. This grant is expected to be released in November 2023. Awards will range from $15,000 to $50,000 with a 25% match commitment.

For more information about DBIC opportunities contact: 

Natural Resources Conservation Service New York

View NRCS NY’s Financial Resources webpage for a full listing of voluntary technical and financial assistance programs available to farmers. These programs can help improve natural resource management including developing nutrient management plans. Contact your local field office for more details about which programs are right for you and how to apply.

John May Farm Safety Fund

The John May Farm Safety Fund provides matching funds to small and mid-sized farm operations for repairs and upgrades that make for a safer workplace. You pay half. They pay half, up to $5,000. If you’re an active farmer, a NY resident, and milk fewer than 1,000 cows, you’re eligible to apply. The fund is a project of the Bassett Healthcare Network, New York Center for Agriculture Medicine and Health.

Processor & Cooperative Listing

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Milk Control has compiled a list of all NY dairy processors and cooperatives. Access the list here.

With questions about this listing, please contact Louis (Lou) Canter, Division of Milk Control and Dairy Services

This page is a curated list of personal, business, and financial resources for New York organic dairy producers. To recommend additions or edits to this page, please contact Katie Baildon at kbaildon@nofany.org. 

NOFA-NY Resource Library
NODPA Organic Production Resource Listing