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.
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