The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) is accepting applications for project funding from the Dairy Digester Research & Development Program (DDRDP).

This program receives funding from the California Climate Investments Program, with proceeds from the state's cap-and-trade auctions, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a variety of additional benefits to California communities.

DDRDP will award between $29 million and $36 million for the installation of dairy digesters in California that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Existing milk producers and dairy digester developers can apply for funding of up to $3 million per project for anaerobic digestion projects that provide quantifiable greenhouse gas reductions. The program requires a minimum of 50% of the total project cost as matching funds.

Prospective applicants must access the “Request for Applications” at www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/DD for detailed information on eligibility and program requirements.

To streamline and expedite the application process, CDFA is partnering with the State Water Resources Control Board, which hosts an online application tool, Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). All prospective applicants must register for a FAAST account at https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov. Applications and all supporting information must be submitted electronically using FAAST by 5 p.m. (Pacific) on June 28, 2017.

CDFA will hold two workshops and one webinar to deliver information on program requirements and the FAAST application process. CDFA staff will provide guidance on and examples of the application process and answer any questions. There is no cost to attend the workshops. Individuals planning to attend should email [email protected] with contact information, the number of seats required and the workshop location.

Prospective applicants should refer to the DDRDP webpage (www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/DD ) for information regarding community outreach meetings coordinated by CDFA. These meetings are intended to provide assistance with community outreach requirements.