The California Dairy Research Foundation and the Department of Food and Agriculture unveil a $17.97 million grant for dairy sustainability, aimed at reducing greenhouse gases and enhancing nitrogen management.
Last month, the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) and the Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation unveiled a significant financial boost for environmental sustainability within the state’s dairy sector. A total of $17.97 million in grant funding has been allocated through the Dairy Plus Program to 15 dairy farm projects, marking a pivotal step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing nitrogen management on farms.
Driving Sustainability Forward
The Dairy Plus Program, operating in collaboration with CDFA’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) and Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP), aims to promote practices that either reduce methane production through dry handling and storage of manure or capture methane via digesters. This initiative not only targets methane reduction but also bolsters nutrient management and water quality outcomes. Among the funded projects are innovative methods like vermifiltration, advanced solid separation assisted by flocculants, and weeping walls, all designed to cut methane production while improving nitrogen handling.
Impact and Measurement
With the backing of CDRF and in partnership with CDFA, these projects are set to embark on a transformative journey towards environmental sustainability. The University of California researchers will play a crucial role in measuring the practices’ effectiveness, quantifying emission reductions, and improved water quality outcomes. This year’s Dairy Plus program beneficiaries are projected to slash greenhouse gas emissions by an annual total of 148,451 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCOe), akin to removing approximately 32,600 cars from the roads each year. This stride towards sustainability underscores the critical role of incentive programs like Dairy Plus in fostering innovation and environmental stewardship among California’s dairy farmers.
Looking Ahead
The initiative’s funding stems from a larger Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant awarded to CDRF by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), contingent upon dairy farmers meeting certain federal requirements. As these projects unfold, they showcase the vast potential of emerging technologies in revolutionizing dairy farming practices, aligning with broader efforts to protect the environment and combat climate change. This development signals a promising future for California’s dairy industry, reinforcing its commitment to leading in planet-smart farming practices and setting a benchmark for sustainability in agriculture.
