Alternative Manure Management Program
Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability
CDFA's Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) provides financial assistance for the implementation of non-digester manure management practices on California's dairy and livestock operations that result in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The program supports several project types focusing on handling and storing manure in environmentally responsible ways, with the goal of reducing how much manure ends up in liquid, anaerobic environments where its decomposition would produce methane. These practices include compost bedded pack barns, pasture-based management, and manure treatment and storage solutions such as solid separation or converting flush systems to scrape manure collection systems. The variety of project types are intended to be accessible options for farms of any size and across a wide variety of management styles of locations.
Alongside mitigating climate change through manure methane emissions reduction, implementing alternative manure management practices can have a number of co-benefits including reducing the risk of water pollution, enhancing local air quality, and producing compost that can boost soil health.
The AMMP aligns with California's ambitious target of reducing methane emissions to 40% of 2013 levels by 2030 and offers a significant opportunity for producers to adopt innovative manure management solutions that enhance sustainability and environmental stewardship across the industry.
Long Term Impact
The program's long-term impact is grounded in its ability to support sustainable farming practices that help California’s dairy and livestock operations reduce their environmental footprint. By incentivizing alternatives to anaerobic digesters, AMMP encourages diverse, cost-effective solutions that can be scaled to all dairy and livestock facilities across the state. This fosters resilience within the agricultural sector while making a meaningful contribution to long-term environmental health.
Solicitation
The 2024 AMMP solicitation is now closed. Applications were accepted from July 23 to October 18, 2024. CDFA received 70 applications requesting a total of $50.7 million in grant funds. A list summarizing the applications received is available here: 2024 AMMP Applicant List
Reference Materials
Program Timeline
| Item | Estimated Time Frame* |
|---|---|
| Application Period Open | July 23, 2024 |
| Application Period Closed | October 18, 2024 |
| Review Process | October 2024 - January 2025 |
| Award Announcement | February - March 2025 |
| Grant Term for 2024 Projects Begins | June 2025 |
* Subject to change
Technical Assistance Resources
Technical assistance is available free of cost to AMMP applicants and grant awardees. Contact information for these providers can be found in the resources below.
Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs)
CDFA has funded organizations around the state to provide free one-on-one assistance to dairy and livestock operators interested in applying for the AMMP and to assist grant awardees with project implementation.
UC ANR Climate Smart Agriculture Community Education Specialists
CDFA has partnered with the University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources to offer Climate Smart Agriculture technical assistance to dairy and livestock operators interested in applying for the AMMP and to assist grant awardees with project implementation.
Project Status
As of January 8, 2025, 76% of AMMP's 168 incentive projects have been completed.
Types of Projects Being Funded
Currently
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Alternative Manure Management Practices
This program supports the implementation of various non-digester practices, including pasture-based management; alternative manure treatment and storage (such as compost bedded pack barns); and solid separation or conversion from flush to scrape in conjunction with some form of drying or composting of collected manure.
Previously
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AMMP Demonstration Projects — New Technologies and Practices
This funding was designed to demonstrate innovative manure management technologies and practices, with a focus on reducing methane emissions and maximizing environmental benefits across the state.
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AMMP Demonstration Projects — Advancing Practices Farmer-to-Farmer
This funding supported farmer-to-farmer outreach programs that demonstrated effective manure management practices in real-world settings, helping to spread successful practices across the community.
More information can be found on the AMMP Demonstration Project page.
Success Stories
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