METHANE REDUCTION -- CDFA NOW ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR DAIRY AND LIVESTOCK METHANE REDUCTION PROGRAMS

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SACRAMENTO, June 28, 2023 - The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting grant applications from commercial dairies and livestock operations for the installation of equipment and implementation of practices that result in long-term methane emissions reductions and maximize environmental co-benefits. Since 2015, CDFA’s dairy and livestock methane programs have funded 271 incentive projects that will result in the reduction of more than 24.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e) once completed through their expected minimum lifetime. This is equivalent to removing a total of 5.4 million gasoline-powered cars from the road. 
 
"Dairy families in California continue to step up to ensure the agriculture sector contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation," said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. "The partnership between the state and dairy families has resulted in significant methane emission reductions, making California a national and international leader in supporting on-farm livestock methane reductions using climate-smart agricultural management approaches and other environmental benefits, including improved water quality from dairy farms." 
 
This year, CDFA will offer both of its flagship dairy and livestock methane reduction grants: the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) and the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP). AMMP and DDRDP are supported by funding from the Budget Act of 2022, with $48 million appropriated for livestock methane reduction and an additional $20 million specifically for AMMP through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. AMMP will make approximately $20.9 million available, and DDRDP approximately $11.4 million available for 2023 awards. CDFA will make the remaining funds from the appropriations available in a subsequent solicitation expected in 2024.  
 
New this year, the Dairy Plus Program offers the opportunity to amplify the reach and scope of traditional AMMP and DDRDP projects with approximately $75 million from the USDA Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities program. CDFA and the California Dairy Research Foundation joined forces to secure funding from this USDA program, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while expanding markets for America’s climate-smart commodities. Dairy Plus will fund advanced manure management practices that reduce GHG emissions and address nutrient surplus. Both new AMMP and DDRDP applicants, as well as previous AMMP and DDRDP recipients with completed projects, are eligible to apply to the Dairy Plus Program. 
 
“We are honored to have partnered with CDFA, the University of California, and the California dairy industry in being awarded additional funds in support of our state’s dairy producers through the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities Grant Program,” said Denise Mullinax, executive director of the California Dairy Research Foundation. “The additional funds, administered through CDFA as the Dairy Plus Program, will further incentivize producers to adopt advanced manure management practices and technologies in California. The Dairy Plus Program funds are the first to actively target both GHG reduction and nitrogen management and we enthusiastically await the innovative, environment-benefitting projects that will result from these additional awards.” 
 
Prospective applicants can find individual program details below: 
•         Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) 
Applications are due Monday, August 28, 2023, by 5:00 PM PT. Detailed information including application process and requirements, application assistance workshops conducted by CDFA, and availability of no-cost technical assistance for prospective applicants provided by CDFA-funded Technical Assistance Providers and UC ANR Climate Smart Agriculture Community Education Specialists is available at www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/AMMP. 
•         Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) 
Applications are due Monday, August 28, 2023, by 5:00 PM PT. Detailed information including application process and requirements, application assistance workshops conducted by CDFA, and community outreach resources is available at www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/ddrdp. 
•         Dairy Plus Program 
Applications are due Monday, August 28, 2023, by 5:00 PM PT. Detailed information including the application process and requirements, and application assistance workshops conducted by CDFA is available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/dairyplus/. 

AMMP is part of California Climate Investments (CCI), a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. CCI projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the CCI website at www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov. 
 

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