CDFA and CDRF Announce $34 Million Available for California Dairy Projects through the Dairy Plus Program

California dairy facilities are now invited to apply for the Dairy Plus Program (DPP) to implement advanced manure management solutions on farms across the state – reducing methane emissions, improving water quality, and addressing nitrogen and salt surpluses through innovative, sustainable projects.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS), in partnership with the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF), is opening the third grant solicitation of the Dairy Plus Program.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Advancing Markets for Producers initiative, DPP has approximately $34 million available to invest in projects that support advanced manure management practices with several environmental benefits. The program is designed to bring emerging technologies aimed at reducing methane emissions and improving groundwater protection to California dairies of all sizes.

Since 2023, DPP has funded 34 projects across California. These projects are expected to reduce more than 1.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from manure management – equal to removing approximately 355,000 gasoline-powered cars from the road- and provide significant improvements in nitrogen management and water quality.

“California’s dairy producers continue to lead with innovation, and Dairy Plus reflects our commitment to supporting solutions that deliver real climate and water quality benefits,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “By investing in advanced manure management practices, we are helping dairies reduce emissions, create compost for healthier soils, and continue building a more resilient future for agriculture.”

Advancing sustainability efforts through initiatives such as DPP improves the long-term viability of an industry that is essential to California’s economy. Milk is the #1 agricultural commodity in the state. California is the leading producer of milk and dairy products in the U.S., contributing 18% of the nation’s milk. According to a UC Davis study, California’s dairy industry generates tens of billions in economic activity and supports over 150,000 jobs across the state.

Eligible DPP projects include advanced approaches such as vermifiltration, advanced solid-liquid separation assisted by flocculants or beads, and mechanical and non-mechanical separation of manure solids from water. By supporting these next-generation manure management practices now, DPP can help accelerate practical solutions to strengthen environmental stewardship and long-term dairy sustainability in California and beyond.

“California dairies have already made significant progress, and this program helps build on that momentum,” said Denise Mullinax, executive director of the California Dairy Research Foundation. “It supports practical, on-farm solutions that help producers manage nutrients, protect water quality and plan for the future. The program is an important opportunity for dairy producers who have been considering next steps for their operations, and we encourage producers of all sizes to take a close look at this funding while it is available.”

Eligible recipients for this third funding round include prior AMMP and DDRDP awardees, as well as dairy producers who were not previously funded through these programs but have implemented, or are in the process of implementing, approved AMMP or DDRDP practices with private or alternative funding sources. Applications are due Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT.

For more information on eligibility, application materials, awarded projects, and eligible practices, visit CDFA’s Dairy Plus Program webpage.