The California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN), alongside dairy producers and advocates, gathered at the State Capitol Swing Space April 8, to meet with legislators in support of AB 2100, a CalCAN-sponsored bill to improve the benefits of the state’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) as part of California’s methane reduction and water quality strategy.
Dairies across California continue to face economic hardship due to low milk prices and rising input costs, while navigating increasing regulatory requirements related to groundwater protection and manure management. Scaling up alternative manure management practices can help dairies reduce their regulatory risk and improve their viability during these difficult times.
Participants held meetings with 22 legislative offices — including members of the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Budget committees — to highlight the role alternative manure management can play in helping California meet its climate and environmental goals.
“AMMP is an underutilized but proven tool to reduce methane emissions while delivering valuable co-benefits for dairies, said CalCAN Policy Director Colton Fagundes. “AB 2100 strengthens the program and improves the state’s ability to achieve its climate goals.”
AB 2100 aims to expand and improve AMMP, which supports dairies in implementing practices that reduce methane emissions by transitioning away from liquid manure systems. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, these practices can provide environmental co-benefits, including improved groundwater quality, compost production and healthier soils.
California must reduce livestock manure methane emissions by 40% before 2030 under SB 1383. CalCAN’s recent report highlights that AMMP is a cost-effective strategy to help meet this target, while demand for the program has exceeded available funding by 200–300%.
“AMMP is a win-win; a win for the farmer, a win for the environment and consumers,” said Doug Beretta of Beretta Dairy in Sonoma County. Beretta noted the multi-benefits he’s experienced after installing manure separators and automatic scrapers on his operation. “We’ve seen a huge improvement in cow health, particularly the feet and legs, after installing automatic scrapers. We separate the [manure] solids and liquids and compost the solids for cow bedding instead of trucking sand from three hours away. The cows love laying in the soft, dry compost. With the liquid manure, we’re able to add it to our pastures and fertilize when we really need it.”
AB 2100 cuts red tape by creating a more efficient approval process for compost production on dairies. It also directs state agencies to work with stakeholders to better assess the climate and environmental benefits of AMMP practices. Additionally, it aims to develop a coordinated plan to tackle the financial and regulatory challenges associated with implementing AMMP practices.
“Programs like AMMP are critical to ensuring small and mid-sized dairies can stay in business while meeting California’s climate and environmental goals. But without continued investment and better alignment across agencies, many family dairies simply won’t have access to the tools they need to comply and survive,” said Lisandra Vitorino, Regional Territory Representative, California Dairy Campaign. “If we want a sustainable dairy future, we must make sure solutions are truly accessible to all, not just a few.”
The lobby day comes as CARB develops its approach to potential livestock methane regulation, and the State Water Board prepares to release new water quality regulations for dairies.
— Contributed by California Climate & Ag Network
