Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Animal Agriculture in California

Summary

This video highlights California's ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, focusing on the agricultural sector, particularly dairy farming. It showcases the state's progress through voluntary programs and state-funded initiatives aimed at reducing methane from manure management. The speaker details various projects like the Dairy Digestive Research and Development Program, Alternative Manure Management Practices, and Dairy Plus, all contributing significantly to emissions reductions. Additionally, research programs focused on livestock methane emission reductions are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions to meet the state's climate goals.

Takeaways

• 😀 The total greenhouse gas emissions for California in 2021 were 381 million metric tons, with agriculture and forestry contributing 8% of this total.
• 😀 Manure management, particularly from dairy and beef livestock, accounts for approximately 70% of emissions in agriculture.
• 😀 In 2021, the implementation of digesters led to a reduction of 1 million metric tons of emissions in manure management, and more digesters are expected to further reduce emissions.
• 😀 CDFA has funded multiple projects to reduce greenhouse gases, including 140 dairy digestion research and development projects that will reduce 2.45 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent when completed.
• 😀 The Alternative Manure Management Practices (AMP) program, since 2016, has awarded 170 projects expected to reduce 288,000 metric tons of CO2 per year.
• 😀 The Dairy Plus program, launched with the California Dairy Research Foundation and USDA, aims to reduce 120,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent with 15 funded projects.
• 😀 Even without mandatory regulations, farmers have made significant voluntary progress in reducing emissions, including digesters and AMP practices implemented independently.
• 😀 CDFA is planning to open solicitations for these programs in June, encouraging farmers to apply and participate in climate mitigation efforts.
• 😀 Two major research programs focus on methane reduction in livestock: the California Livestock Methane Measurement, Mitigation, and Thriving Environments (CLIM) program and the Livestock Methane Emission Reduction Program, which has a combined budget of $15 million.
• 😀 A $2 million budget was allocated to develop a framework for encouraging feed additives and other methane reduction strategies, with ongoing stakeholder engagement and public meetings to ensure successful implementation.

Q & A

What is the total inventory of greenhouse gases in California for the year 2021?

The total inventory of greenhouse gases for California in 2021 is 381 million metric tons.

What percentage of California's greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture and forestry?

Agriculture and forestry account for approximately 8% of California's greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to 30.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.

What are the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture in California?

The main sources of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture are enteric fermentation and manure management, with enteric fermentation being the dominant contributor.

What progress has been made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from manure management?

There has been a reduction of 1 million metric tons in manure management emissions due to the implementation of digesters, which started being counted in the 2023 inventory.

What is the dairy digestive research and development program, and what impact has it had?

The dairy digestive research and development program has funded 140 projects since 2015. Once completed, these projects are expected to reduce 2.45 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, making it the most effective greenhouse gas reduction program in California.

What is the purpose of the alternative manure management practices (AMP) program?

The AMP program supports dairy farmers who cannot install digesters by providing funding for alternative manure management practices. Since 2016, it has funded 170 projects, which are expected to reduce 288,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

What is the new Dairy Plus program, and how does it contribute to emission reductions?

The Dairy Plus program is a collaboration with the California Dairy Research Foundation and USDA, aimed at climate-smart commodities. In its first year, it awarded 15 projects that, in combination with other programs, will reduce 120,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

How does voluntary action in the agricultural sector contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in California?

Farmers in California are actively installing digesters and implementing manure management practices without state regulations, contributing significantly to emission reductions. The state's incentive programs are a part of this broader effort.

What are the two main research programs focused on methane emission reduction in livestock?

The two main research programs are the California Livestock Methane Measurement, Mitigation, and Thriving Environments Research Program (CLIM) with a budget of $5 million, and the Livestock Methane Emission Reduction Program (LEMUR), which has a budget of $10 million.

How are feed additives, such as seaweed, being used to reduce methane emissions in California agriculture?

The CLIM program funds projects that explore the use of feed additives, such as seaweed, to reduce methane emissions in livestock. These projects are part of a broader effort to understand and mitigate the impact of livestock on greenhouse gas emissions.