Western United Dairies has been at the forefront of protecting and advancing the interests of California’s dairy industry. Here are some of our key legislative victories and advocacy efforts from 2024:

Highlights Include:

  • Secured Funding for Methane Reduction: Ensured additional funds for the Alternative Manure Management Program (AMP), with $7 million earmarked for 2025-2026, supporting dairy farmers in methane emission reduction projects.

  • Farm-to-School Program Funding Maintained: Preserved $60 million to keep fresh dairy and beef products on school menus, ensuring students across California have access to nutritious options.

  • Defeated Anti-Dairy Legislation: Successfully opposed AB 2870, which aimed to undermine methane reduction progress, in collaboration with the California Cattlemen’s Association.

  • Protected Water Resources: Partnered with the Department of Water Resources to roll out LandFlex projects, safeguarding 150,000 acre-feet of water and protecting infrastructure critical to millions in Southern California.

  • Stopped a Plant-Based Checkoff Program: Prevented taxpayer-funded R&D for plant-based protein alternatives, reinforcing equity in funding requirements.

  • Secured $386 Million for Groundwater Projects: Advocated for inclusion of dairy priorities in California’s climate bond, supporting groundwater banking, recharge, and conjunctive use projects.

A major success like this one doesn’t happen overnight and certainly doesn’t happen by accident.

WUD’s relationship with this Governor, our ability to work with the Speaker of the Assembly and Senate Pro Tempore, and our bi-partisan relationships with “dairy champions” in the Legislature all helped secure this major budget win for dairy farmers. Our members can continue to rely on WUD’s leadership to ensure the industry can achieve California’s ambitious environmental goals and maintain regulatory certainty on methane reduction for our membership.