The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) has announced the allocation of $6.29 million as part of its Greenhouse Gas Reduction Investments initiative. The funding is designated for projects that aim to reduce methane emissions at dairy and livestock operations across the state.
According to the CDFA, these grants are intended to support practices and technologies that lower methane output from manure management on farms. The department stated that reducing methane emissions is a key component in California’s broader strategy to address climate change within the agricultural sector.
“Reducing methane emissions from our dairy and livestock farms is critical to meeting California’s climate goals,” said Karen Ross, Secretary at the California Department of Food & Agriculture. “These investments support farmers and ranchers as they adopt innovative practices and technologies that benefit both the environment and their operations.”
The selected projects will focus on implementing methods such as improved manure handling, composting, and other systems designed to capture or prevent methane release. The CDFA emphasized that this initiative aligns with statewide efforts to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Virginia Jameson, Deputy Secretary at CDFA, commented: “California agriculture continues to lead in environmental stewardship, and these projects reflect our commitment to sustainable practices.” She added that collaboration between government agencies and producers is essential for continued progress.
Joshua Eddy, Executive Director at CDFA’s State Board of Food and Agriculture, noted: “Investing in emission reduction not only addresses climate change but also helps ensure the long-term viability of our agricultural communities.”
Tawny Mata, Director of the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation at CDFA, highlighted the importance of innovation: “Our goal is to advance solutions that work for producers while delivering meaningful environmental benefits.”
Applications for future rounds of funding are expected to open next year as part of ongoing efforts by CDFA to support climate-smart agriculture throughout California.
