Dairy Plus Program
The Dairy Plus Program funds advanced manure management practices on California dairies to reduce methane emissions and address nutrient and salt challenges, supporting climate and water quality improvements.
Funder: California Department of Food and Agriculture
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,250,000 per project (approx. $750/cow); ~$75M total program allocation; 24-month project term.
Summary: Competitive grants for California dairies to implement advanced manure management practices that reduce methane emissions and address nutrient and salt challenges.
Key Information: 50% cost share may be required; at least 10% of funds reserved for small and underserved producers.
Description
The Dairy Plus Program, managed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability, provides competitive grants to California dairy farms for the adoption of advanced manure management practices. The program’s main goals are to reduce methane emissions, manage nitrogen and salt surpluses, and address major environmental challenges in dairy production. Funding supports enhancements to existing AMMP (Alternative Manure Management Program) and DDRDP (Dairy Digester Research and Development Program) projects, with eligible technologies including vermifiltration, advanced solid-liquid separation, weeping walls, and integration of subsurface drip irrigation or aerated composting.
Approximately $75 million is allocated to this program as part of a larger USDA Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. Projects are expected to deliver measurable climate and water quality benefits, with technical support and emissions monitoring provided. The program also emphasizes support for small and historically underserved dairy producers.
