The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is currently accepting grant applications for the Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) program as well as the Proactive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Solutions program. The CDFA grant applications for either program are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 31. Each of the programs are administered by the Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA).
The BIFS grant program is designed to advance biologically based farming systems which employ IPM strategies and can provide on-farm demonstration and evaluation. Through a one-time appropriation of $2 million for the BIFS program which was included in the 2019-2020 budget, OPCA will be allocating the funding in two blocks. The current application period will be allotted $1 million with another solicitation for $1 million scheduled for 2020-2021.
The Proactive IPM Solutions program is aimed at addressing exotic pests prior to their arrival to California. The goal is to identify and test potential IPM strategies that can be implemented if such pests are discovered in the state. Funding support for the program comes from two sources. OPCA received an appropriation in the 2019-2020 budget for research, and an additional allotment was given to assist in the transition away from chlorpyrifos. A total of $1.2 million is available for the current grant cycle for the Proactive IPM Solutions program.
On pesticide regulatory issues, OPCA routinely consults with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation on the potential impacts that regulation may have on the agricultural industry. OPCA also provides consultation in other areas relating to the use of pesticides and alternatives.
Detailed information for the programs and the CDFA grant applications can be accessed through the CDFA webpage . CDFA is tasked with addressing invasive pests through the development of innovative techniques, as well as supporting agricultural production through advancing modern agricultural practices to increase efficiency.
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