The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) has relaunched its USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant under the new Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. This federal program prioritizes Farmer-First support and helps strengthen agriculture across the state.
What the Dairy Plus Program Supports
At the core of this effort is the Dairy Plus Program, managed by CDRF and the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS).
The program offers:
-
Incentive funding for advanced manure-management tools
-
Technical assistance
-
Measurement of environmental benefits
-
Support for new market opportunities for climate-smart dairy products
These efforts help producers reduce emissions, manage nitrogen and salt levels, and address major environmental challenges.
Collaboration Across the Dairy Sector
Dairy Plus brings together partners from across the industry. This includes CDFA-OARS, the California Milk Advisory Board, cooperatives, technology providers, and university researchers.
Together, they aim to improve environmental outcomes while supporting the long-term economic strength of California dairy farms.
Funding for New Projects
In 2024, CDRF and CDFA awarded $16.7 million to 14 dairy projects. These projects aligned with the state’s manure management and digester programs.
With the relaunch under AMP, the program will invest an additional $58 million in new opportunities.
CDFA will soon award up to $26.8 million to select applicants from the 2024 Dairy Plus submissions.
A third call for applications is expected in early 2026.
Why This Matters to Dairy Farmers
Dairy producers are facing more regulatory pressure, higher costs, and rising market expectations.
The updated AMP initiative helps farmers:
-
Adopt proven sustainability practices
-
Reduce financial risk
-
Access emerging markets for climate-smart dairy products
CDRF Executive Director Denise Mullinax said the program builds on the dairy sector’s strong culture of innovation and sustainability. She noted that AMP helps farmers use new technologies while opening the door to new market opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The relaunch comes at a crucial time for the industry. With added support from USDA and CDFA, more farms will have access to tools that improve environmental performance and support economic stability.
For more details about the AMP Initiative and the Dairy Plus Program, visit cdrf.org.
