California’s dairy industry is a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural economy and food security. This chapter explores strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the sustainability of dairy farming by increasing knowledge and implementation of methane reduction technologies, carrying out research to introduce new methods and solutions, and collaborating across agencies to open additional or previously untapped revenue streams.
Strategy 12.1 Increase knowledge and implementation of currently available methane reduction technologies.
- 12.1.1 Promote on-farm manure management strategies at all dairies.
- 12.1.2 Increase adoption of anaerobic digesters.
Strategy 12.2 Collaborate with sister agencies and other partners to carry out additional research to bring on new methane reduction methods.
- 12.2.1 Develop methodologies and program processes for new enteric methane reduction programs.
- 12.2.2 Support research dedicated to enteric emissions reduction strategies
- 12.2.3 Promote research and development for novel methane reduction strategies
- 12.2.4 Support research to better quantify emissions from dairies
- 12.2.5 Convene researchers from around the world to track and advance enteric methane science and reduction strategies.
Strategy 12.3 Support new dairy waste utilization pathways that offer additional revenue streams for agricultural operations.
- 12.3.1 Incentivize methane capture and conversion to biogas to participate in low carbon fuel programs.
- 12.3.2 Promote utilization of manure solids as inputs for soil amendment products.