#United States #California Dairy #Davis #Climate Smart #Dairy Plus

California Dairy Research Foundation Revives Climate-Smart Grant

The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) has officially announced the relaunch of its grant program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), now known as the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) Initiative. This program marks a significant step forward in supporting dairy farmers within California, ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of agricultural practices in the region.

The CDRF aims to build on California’s commitment to enhancing agricultural resiliency. This initiative will empower dairy producers to adopt advanced environmental practices while also opening up new market opportunities. The relaunch emphasizes Farmer-First priorities, focusing on innovative practices that benefit both the economy and the environment.

At the core of this initiative lies the Dairy Plus Program, which has been collaboratively managed by CDRF alongside the California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS). The Dairy Plus Program will provide much-needed incentive funding for advanced manure management technologies and technical assistance, crucial in measuring environmental benefits.

Addressing Key Environmental Challenges

The Dairy Plus Program is designed to help producers tackle several pressing environmental challenges, including reducing emissions and addressing nitrogen and salt surpluses. By partnering with the CDFA-OARS, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), various cooperatives, technology providers, and academic institutions, the initiative targets the dual goals of improving environmental outcomes while also enhancing the economic resilience of California’s dairy farms.

In 2024, CDRF and CDFA collaborated to allocate a total of $16.7 million to fund 14 projects across California dairy farms. These projects align with the state’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) and the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP). With the program now transitioned to the AMP initiative, upcoming project opportunities are expected to attract an additional investment of $58 million.

Future Investments and Opportunities

As part of the relaunch, selectees from the previous Dairy Plus Program applications will soon be announced, with potential funding up to $26.8 million planned for distribution. Furthermore, a third application solicitation is anticipated to open in early 2026, allowing even more producers to participate.

Denise Mullinax, Executive Director of the CDRF, emphasized the commitment of California dairy families to sustainability: “This effort enhances their reputation for innovation and continual improvement. With Advancing Markets for Producers, we are not only helping farmers adopt state-of-the-art practices but also ensuring they can access new markets that recognize California’s leadership in planet-smart dairy farming.”

The relaunch comes at a critical juncture for dairy farmers who are currently navigating a landscape of increasing regulatory, environmental, and market pressures. Backed by USDA and CDFA support and extensive collaboration across the dairy sector, this AMP initiative aims to elevate sustainability practices while creating new revenue streams for dairy professionals.

For further details on the Advancing Markets for Producers and Dairy Plus Program, visit cdrf.org.

About California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF)

The California Dairy Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability, innovation, and resilience in California’s dairy sector through comprehensive research, strategic partnerships, and proactive outreach efforts.