Dairy Digester Research and Development Grant Program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture‘s (CDFA) Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP), awards competitive grants to California dairy operations and digester developers for the implementation of dairy digesters that result in long-term methane emission reductions on California dairies and minimize or mitigate adverse environmental impacts. Donor Name: California Department of Food and Agriculture State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 10/18/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: CDFA’s Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) provides financial assistance for the installation of dairy digesters in California, which will result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Program Requirements  The DDRDP will support the implementation of dairy digester projects on California dairy operations that result in permanent, annual and measurable GHG emission reductions Projects must use methane for energy production or transportation fuel (e.g., including but not limited to renewable natural gas – RNG). Projects that propose flaring as the sole end-use for biogas will not be eligible for funding. Projects must either convert biomethane to renewable electricity or fuel (to use on-site or inject into an existing pipeline), or for the utilization of energy at a neighboring facility At least 80% dry weight of the feedstock for anaerobic digestion must be manure from dairy livestock. Other substrates, such as dairy processing wastes including whey, or other agricultural waste, can be added to the feedstock to up to 20% dry weight. Applicants must provide details regarding the nature and sources of all co-substrates Grant recipients will be required to submit quarterly progress reports to CDFA explaining in detail the project’s progress. Recipients must also report their annual GHG emissions reduction data to CDFA for five years after the end of the project term and/or the digester becomes operation. Fund Activity Categories Agriculture Energy Funding Information Total Program Funding: $8,000,000.00 Award Ceiling: $1,600,000.00 Grant Period Award Start Date: 6/1/2025 Award End Date: 11/30/2027 Eligibility Criteria Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (not Federally recognized), Individuals, For profit organizations (excludes small businesses), Small Businesses Additional Eligibility Information California farmers, ranchers, and California Native American Tribes are eligible to apply. For more information, visit CDFA.