Dairy Digester Research & Development Program
Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability
CDFA's Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) provides financial assistance for the implementation of dairy digesters on California's dairy operations. Dairy digesters, also known as anaerobic digesters, harness the natural breakdown of dairy manure to generate renewable energy from methane, in the form of electricity, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen. Methane from dairy manure if not captured and converted into renewable energy would have otherwise been released into the atmosphere. By supporting the adoption of dairy digesters, DDRDP helps significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, a potent contributor to climate change.
By encouraging the implementation of dairy digesters, DDRDP enables dairy farmers to transform manure into valuable renewable resources while contributing to the circular economy and environmental stewardship. This technology also offers social benefits, including local job creation and enhanced farm profitability, by providing dairy operations with an additional revenue stream through energy production.
In terms of co-benefits, the DDRDP assists farmers in reducing odors, reducing the risk of water pollution, enhancing local air quality, as well as facilitating the production of compost that can boost soil health and fertilizer.
The DDRDP aligns with California's ambitious target of reducing methane emissions to 40% of 2013 levels by 2030. CDFA received significant interest in DDRDP, with numerous applications for funding support each year.
More information on dairy digesters and their benefits can also be found through the CalEPA Dairy Digesters webpage and the USEPA AgSTAR Anaerobic Digestion webpage.
Long Term Impact
In the long run, DDRDP contributes to the creation of a sustainable, low-carbon dairy industry in California. By fostering the use of renewable energy technologies, the program supports a circular economy model where dairy operations reduce their environmental impact while generating renewable energy. This shift toward clean energy solutions helps to future-proof California's dairy sector and supports the state's broader climate goals.
Solicitation
The 2024 DDRDP solicitation is closed. Applications were accepted between July 23 and October 18, 2024. CDFA received 22 applications requesting $30.4 million in grant funds. Reference documents and links from the solicitation are available at Recipient Resources.
CDFA awarded 5 projects for the 2024 DDRDP grant round, totaling $7.4 million in grant funding. The list of the awarded projects is available: 2024 Awarded Projects.
Program Timeline
| Item | Estimated Time Frame* |
|---|---|
| Application Period Open | July 23, 2024 |
| Application Period Closed | October 18, 2024 |
| Review Process | October 2024 - February 2025 |
| Award Announcement | March 2025 |
| Grant Term for 2024 Projects Begins | June 2025 |
* Subject to change
Project Status
As of June 17, 2025, 83% of DDRDP's incentive projects have been completed.
Types of Projects Being Funded
- Dairy Digester Implementation: This funding supports the installation of dairy digesters on dairy operations in California.
