Key Takeaways
- The California Dairy Research Foundation has relaunched its USDA climate-focused grant under the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) Initiative.
- The Dairy Plus Program will continue providing incentive funding, technical assistance, and environmental performance measurement for dairy farms.
- In 2024, $16.7 million was awarded to 14 California dairy projects, with up to $58 million more expected under the AMP framework.
- The program focuses on advanced manure management, emissions reduction, and access to new markets for sustainably produced dairy.
- A new application round is expected to open in early 2026.
California Dairy Research Foundation Aligns Climate-Smart Dairy Funding With AMP
The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) has announced the relaunch of its U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant under the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) Initiative. The transition follows USDA’s broader shift toward Farmer-First priorities while preserving programs with strong producer participation.
Under AMP, the grant continues California’s efforts to improve agricultural resilience by supporting dairy producers with practical tools to address environmental challenges while strengthening long-term market access.
Dairy Plus Program Continues as Core Implementation Vehicle
Dairy Plus Program Management and Scope
The Dairy Plus Program remains the central delivery mechanism for the relaunch and is jointly managed by CDRF and the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS). The program provides incentive funding for advanced manure management technologies, technical assistance, and verification of environmental benefits.
Beyond on-farm practices, the program aims to support new market opportunities for sustainably produced dairy commodities.
Environmental and Operational Focus Areas
Through the Dairy Plus Program, participating producers can address emissions, nitrogen and salt surpluses, and other environmental challenges facing the dairy sector. The initiative is supported by collaboration with CDFA-OARS, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), dairy cooperatives, technology providers, and academic partners.
California Dairy Research Foundation Funding Milestones and Future Investment Outlook
Recent Awards and Upcoming Solicitations
In 2024, CDRF and CDFA awarded a combined $16.7 million to 14 California dairy farm projects aligned with the state’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) and Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP).
With the transition into the AMP Initiative, the program is now positioned to invest up to an additional $58 million in future projects. Selectees from the 2024 Dairy Plus Program application pool are expected to receive awards totaling up to $26.8 million, with further details to be announced by CDFA. A third solicitation for project applications is anticipated to open in early 2026.
Supporting Long-Term Sustainability and Market Access for Dairy Producers
The relaunch comes at a time when dairy farmers face increasing regulatory, environmental, and market pressures. By combining USDA and CDFA support with broad sector collaboration, the AMP framework is intended to expand adoption of advanced practices while creating new revenue pathways tied to verified environmental performance.
“California dairy families are committed to sustainability, and this effort builds upon their reputation for innovation and continual improvement,” said Denise Mullinax, Executive Director of CDRF. “With Advancing Markets for Producers, we are not only helping farmers adopt state-of-the-art practices but also ensuring they can access new markets that recognize California's leadership in planet-smart dairy farming.”
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