California Dairy Farms Receive $17.97M Boost for Green Initiatives
Source: The DairyNews
California's dairy sector is set to make substantial strides in environmental sustainability as the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) and the Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation jointly announce a groundbreaking $17.97 million grant.
The Dairy Plus Program, operating in collaboration with CDFA’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) and Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP), is earmarked for 15 dairy farm projects aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing nitrogen management practices.
In a significant move towards bolstering eco-friendly practices in the state's dairy industry, the Dairy Plus Program will focus on reducing methane production through innovative methods such as dry handling and storage of manure, as well as capturing methane via digesters. The funded projects encompass cutting-edge techniques like vermifiltration, advanced solid separation with flocculants, and weeping walls, all designed to decrease methane production while enhancing nitrogen management.
The University of California researchers will be instrumental in assessing the efficacy of these practices, quantifying emission reductions, and measuring improved water quality outcomes. Projections indicate that this year's Dairy Plus program beneficiaries will collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 148,451 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCOe) annually, equivalent to removing approximately 32,600 cars fr om the roads each year.
Funded by the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), contingent upon dairy farmers meeting specific federal requirements, this initiative exemplifies the potential of emerging technologies in revolutionizing dairy farming practices. As the projects unfold, they underscore the vital role of incentive programs like Dairy Plus in fostering innovation and environmental stewardship among California’s dairy farmers.
This development signifies a promising future for California’s dairy industry, showcasing its commitment to leading in planet-smart farming practices and setting a benchmark for sustainability in agriculture. As the Dairy Plus Program is rolled out, it heralds a new era of agricultural innovation, wh ere technology and tradition converge to create a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly dairy sector. With ongoing support and collaboration, California’s dairy farms are poised to make significant strides in reducing their environmental footprint, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.
In a significant move towards bolstering eco-friendly practices in the state's dairy industry, the Dairy Plus Program will focus on reducing methane production through innovative methods such as dry handling and storage of manure, as well as capturing methane via digesters. The funded projects encompass cutting-edge techniques like vermifiltration, advanced solid separation with flocculants, and weeping walls, all designed to decrease methane production while enhancing nitrogen management.
The University of California researchers will be instrumental in assessing the efficacy of these practices, quantifying emission reductions, and measuring improved water quality outcomes. Projections indicate that this year's Dairy Plus program beneficiaries will collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 148,451 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCOe) annually, equivalent to removing approximately 32,600 cars fr om the roads each year.
Funded by the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), contingent upon dairy farmers meeting specific federal requirements, this initiative exemplifies the potential of emerging technologies in revolutionizing dairy farming practices. As the projects unfold, they underscore the vital role of incentive programs like Dairy Plus in fostering innovation and environmental stewardship among California’s dairy farmers.
This development signifies a promising future for California’s dairy industry, showcasing its commitment to leading in planet-smart farming practices and setting a benchmark for sustainability in agriculture. As the Dairy Plus Program is rolled out, it heralds a new era of agricultural innovation, wh ere technology and tradition converge to create a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly dairy sector. With ongoing support and collaboration, California’s dairy farms are poised to make significant strides in reducing their environmental footprint, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.
