The Dairy Digester Program funds projects to build, repair, or upgrade digesters that capture methane from dairy manure and other organic waste. These systems help cut greenhouse gas emissions and can also produce renewable energy, such as electricity or biogas, as well as fertilizer and other useful products.
Anaerobic digestion, the process used in these systems, breaks down manure and other organic material in an oxygen-free tank. This reduces methane emissions, improves wastewater management, and creates byproducts like nutrient-rich fertilizer. For dairy farms, digesters can also reduce odors, capture methane for energy, and provide economic and environmental benefits for farmers and their communities.
Awardees
In April 2026, Commerce awarded over $13.8 million to support seven projects across five counties focused on building, repairing and upgrading systems that capture methane from dairy manure and other organic waste. These projects are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cutting more than one million tons of CO₂ overall.
Recipients and award amounts include:
- Edaleen Cow Power LLC – $800,000
- FPE Renewables LLC – $650,000
- James Road Dairy LLC – $854,325
- Promus Energy LLC – $3,500,000
- Sunny Dene Ranch LLC – $819,4000
- Tulalip Tribes of Washington – $4,650,000
- 5D RNG LLC – $2,530,275