2024 May Board Book

2024 - 2028 CDRF Strategic Plan

FUNDING, PROJECT PRIORITIZATION, AND COLLABORATION

CDRF receives its core funding from CMAB, which receives check-off dollars from California dairy producers and is governed by the regulations set out in the Marketing Order for Research, Education and Promotion of Market Milk and Dairy Products in California. The organization also seeks co-funding wherever practical to best leverage check-off dollars. CDRF actively pursues collaborative funding from research institutions, government agencies and private industry to optimize investment in California dairy research to the benefit of all stakeholders. Leveraging its non-profit and government program accreditation, CDRF accesses grant funds to bolster California dairy research and education initiatives. CDRF works alongside many other industry organizations to promote the benefits of California milk and dairy products to protect and grow consumption rates locally, nationally, and globally. The organization uses a “with and through” philosophy to extend its impact and accomplish its mission. It works closely with and through CMAB, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP), Dairy Cares, California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC), Dairy Council of California (DCC), California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), National Dairy Council (NDC), Global Dairy Platform (GDP), International Dairy Federation (IDF), and others in support of dairy industry objectives. CDRF funds applied research and development, extension and educational activities, and marketing information and data development support. It seeks to maximize total research dollars invested into California dairy priority research areas, while minimizing organizational overhead as a percent of total budget. CDRF prioritizes short-term projects expected to deliver outcomes within one to three years. The organization utilizes two basic funding strategies: • Direct Funding: core funding for CDRF’s programs and infrastructure from CMAB. • Collaborative Co-funding: leverage partner funding in support of mutual program priorities. Budget allocations are established according to defined research priorities categorized under five main areas of focus. Priorities will always be relevant, actionable, and aligned with CDRF stakeholder goals. All potential projects within each area of focus must adhere to CDRF’s strategic objective to deliver sound science to promote and protect the safe and sustainable production and consumption of milk and dairy products.

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