KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) selected Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) to receive $22.8 million in grant funds that will back a pilot project to reduce methane emissions on dairy farms.

DFA shared that its project involves working with members of its farmer-owned cooperative in California, Idaho and Utah to make use of an innovative feed additive developed to reduce enteric methane emissions. As part of the program, DFA said its farmers to earn compensation through a carbon marketplace.

Gary Stueve, chief operating officer for DFA’s western region, said the RCPP grant through USDA will lead to accelerated adoption of agricultural innovations.

“We know that dairy is part of the solution to addressing climate concerns, and these funds will allow our farmer-owners to receive value and credit for their efforts,” Stueve said.

Shawn Osborne, chief operating officer for DFA’s mountain region, said he was excited to see new tools and systems that will help farmers measure progress and receive compensation.

“Our farmers have been working to reduce their carbon footprint for many years and are focused on continuing to advance progress,” Osborne said. “In parallel, DFA has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure farmers receive credit for their work. Receiving the RCPP grant is an example of the leadership DFA has provided to support its farmers in this area.”

USDA RCPP announced Nov. 1 81 grants worth $1 billion that will advance and expand conservation efforts and climate-smart agriculture.