The Dairy Plus Program, managed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS), awards competitive grants to California dairy farms. The program is designed to help producers implement advanced manure management practices that will reduce methane emissions, address nitrogen and salt surplus, and other significant environmental concerns related to dairy farming. By supporting the adoption of climate-smart practices, the Dairy Plus Program aims to help mitigate climate change and improve environmental quality.
In 2022, the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF), in collaboration with CDFA and other organizations, received an $85 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program. Over five years, this funding will support the implementation of advanced manure management practices, provide outreach and technical assistance to farmers, measure greenhouse gas and nitrogen reductions, and help develop markets for climate-smart commodities. Of this funding, approximately $75 million will directly support the implementation of these practices through the Dairy Plus Program, which began accepting applications in 2023.
Solicitation
The 2024 Dairy Plus Program solicitation is now closed. Applications were accepted between July 23 and October 18, 2024. CDFA received 49 applications requesting $57.8 million in grant funds. A list summarizing the applications received is available at 2024 Dairy Plus Applicant List.
Reference Materials
| 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 | Fall 2025 |
* Subject to change
Long Term Impact
In the long term, the Dairy Plus Program supports the transition to more sustainable farming practices. By incentivizing the implementation of advanced manure management projects, the program helps dairy producers adapt to a changing climate while maintaining profitability. This shift not only benefits the environment but also ensures the resilience and sustainability of California's dairy industry, which plays a key role in the state's economy.
Types of Programs Being Funded
- Dairy Plus projects accompanying new, in progress, or previous Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) include:
- Vermifiltration
- Solid separation of manure solids through a weeping wall
- Advanced solid-liquid separation assisted by flocculants and/or bead filters
- Advanced solid-liquid separation through centrifuge
- Dairy Plus projects accompanying new, in progress, or previous Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) include:
- Post-digester Vermifiltration
- Post-digester advanced solid-liquid separation assisted by flocculants and/or bead filters
- Post-digester advanced solid-liquid separation through centrifuge
Technical Assistance Resources
For direction in identifying available technical assistance resources appropriate for your project type and region, please reach out to:
Denise Mullinax, CDRF, Executive Director – CDQAP, Assistant Director
Phone: 209-585-6744
Email: cdqap@cdrf.org (please include Dairy Plus TA in the subject line)