The CDFA Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) is dedicated to supporting California’s dairy and livestock farmers in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As proof of that, the CDFA’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) and Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) awarded nearly $25 million in April 2025 to support the implementation of manure management projects on farms across the state. But these awards represent more than funding—they reflect months of technical work, partnership, and a shared commitment to climate-smart agriculture.
Behind each award is a rigorous, multi-layered review process led by the dedicated OARS staff and program partners. This process is designed to be fair, transparent, and results-driven, ensuring that projects selected will lead to long-term, measurable methane reductions and maximize social, economic and environmental co-benefits, like enhanced nutrient management and alternative revenue streams from waste products.
It begins with administrative and financial reviews to verify that applications meet the department’s requirements. Then, experts from academia all over the country conduct a comprehensive technical review, evaluating proposed projects based on their potential to reduce methane emissions and achieve other benefits.
After that, OARS invites the input of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), comprising state and federal agency individuals with expertise in manure management, methane reduction measures, environmental impacts, and permitting in California, playing a crucial role of making sure the CDFA is selecting the best applicants within the competitive pool of candidates. In preparing the funding recommendations, OARS considers applicants’ past performance on previous grants, including their ability to complete projects on time, on budget, and deliver results. This careful and considered approach enables the selection of the most effective and impactful projects. Once the applicants are selected, the OARS team contacts each awardee and educates them on the next steps in the grant process, which are accomplished through emails, webinars, video calls, and engagement of OARS’ free-of-charge technical assistance providers when possible.
One important note: the ideal time for public input—especially regarding scoring criteria or program rules—is during the drafting of the Request for Grant Applications (RGA), before CDFA accepts applications. Once rules are finalized and the application period begins, CDFA is unable to change them. That’s why early engagement from the public, including producers, stakeholders, and advocacy groups, is crucial to shaping a program that serves all Californians.
By supporting manure management practices that reduce methane emissions, CDFA OARS is driving meaningful change on California’s dairy and livestock farms and supporting the state’s climate and environmental goals. These efforts are making California a better place to live and grow food, with cleaner air and water, and a more resilient agricultural industry. The state investments in climate-smart agriculture are paying dividends, and the benefits will be felt for generations to come. As the state continues to lead the way on climate action, the CDFA OARS remains committed to supporting innovative solutions that benefit the environment, the economy, and the people of California.
Author: Roberta Franco