Dive Brief:

• The state of New York is offering $21 million to dairy farmers who transform their agricultural waste into energy by producing biogas through anaerobic digestion.

• The funding is to help create business and environmental plans to shrink operating costs while increasing profits.

• Funds were made available after recommendations were made to guarantee growth in the industry and to expand the number of jobs throughout the state.

Dive Insight:

Up to $2 million per project will become available January 17, to be used by farmers, municipal wastewater plants and food processing manufacturers, to install anaerobic digestion technology. According to John B. Rhodes, president and CEO of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), "Farmers that utilize anaerobic digester technology are able to produce renewable energy and lower their costs while providing a number of environmental benefits to their local communities."