The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP), authorized by the Budget Act of 2014. CDFA was appropriated monies from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to provide financial assistance for the installation of dairy digesters in California, which will result in reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
“Digester technology is precisely the kind of innovation that California farmers are known for,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “It promotes low carbon fuels, agricultural energy efficiency and other operational advantages. We are very encouraged about the potential of this program.”
Agricultural regions, including disadvantaged communities in the Central Valley as identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency using CalEnviroScreen, will benefit from reduced GHG emissions and improved air and water quality protections. Additionally, Central Valley dairy farmers will have revenue generation potential by converting agricultural waste into clean energy that can be used on-farm or off-site as transportation fuel or electricity.
An estimated $11 million in competitive grant funding will be awarded to provide financial assistance for the installation of dairy digesters that result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and provide other environmental benefits.
Applicants must access the Application Guidelines for detailed information and program requirements. Applications must be submitted electronically on the CDFA grant submission website by Monday, February 23, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
CDFA will hold application workshops and a webinar to provide information on program requirements and the application process (see below). There is no cost to attend the workshops or webinar, however, registration is required. Space is limited at each workshop location. Individuals planning to attend must email grants@cdfa.ca.gov with their contact information, number of seats required and workshop location. Further details will be provided upon confirmation of registration.
Visit the CDFA DDRDP website at www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/dd.