Report raises doubts on California dairy digester costs

Feb 15, 2024

By Farms.com

The financial sustainability of California's initiative to lower methane emissions from dairy farms through anaerobic digesters has been challenged in a report by the Center for Food Safety. Conducted by Kevin Fingerman of Cal Poly Humboldt, the analysis reveals that the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program's costs could be 17 times the state and industry's estimates.

California has allocated approximately $200 million towards this endeavor between 2015 and 2022, aiming for a substantial decrease in methane emissions. However, the report suggests a discrepancy in cost-effectiveness, with actual expenses ballooning to $159 per ton of CO2 reduced, far exceeding the state's $9 per ton estimate.

This revelation stirs debate about the allocation of taxpayer money, especially as the program appears to predominantly benefit large agribusinesses and investors.

Despite criticisms, the California Department of Food and Agriculture counters by highlighting the ecological benefits of dairy digesters, such as their role in generating renewable energy and preventing worse environmental outcomes.

The state contends that supporting sustainable practices across dairy farms is crucial, even as it faces scrutiny over the program's cost and its impact on agricultural practices and the environment.

Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.