The ‘barn to biogas’ model has the potential to reduce agricultural methane emissions on farms nationwide, uncovering new revenue streams for dairy farmers.
Biogas typically refers to methane that’s produced by the fermentation of organic matter - in this case, dairy and livestock manure-related methane emissions need to comply to new state standards that call for a 40% reduction in the 2013 levels by 2030.
Ramping up sustainability
CalBio is a developer of dairy digesters generating renewable electricity and vehicle fuel in California and has worked closely with the dairy industry on methane reduction goals in the past.
Matt Carstens, senior vice president, Land O'Lakes SUSTAIN, said, "Land O'Lakes and CalBio are creating the end-to-end sustainability infrastructure that farmers need to make 'barn-to-biogas' a reality. This is impact investing at its best – eliminating barriers to the adoption of new sustainability technology, unlocking new revenue streams for farmers, cutting emissions and creating a public good."
Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN partners farmers and companies with Land O’Lakes to “align and harmonize on-farm conservation and company-led sustainability targets” for maximum positive impact on the environment and in communities.
Its new Innovation Financing program offers up to $3m in financing to member-owners for “large-scale sustainability projects, including methane digesters.” It helps Land O’Lakes dairy member-owners improve their outcomes for air, soil or water with new technology and management systems.
Neil Black, president of CalBio, said, "CalBio's dairy digesters are proven in California. We are excited to expand that work even further through this collaboration with Land O'Lakes and their member-owners in California. Our expertise and ongoing operational support will help dairy farmers make the most of a significant new revenue stream through biogas generation, while allowing them to stay focused on doing what they do best – producing wholesome, delicious food in a sustainable way."