Organizations and researchers can seek funding to improve integrated pest management practices through on-farm demonstrations of biologically integrated farming systems through a $1 million initiative facilitated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis.
Proposals for Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) aim to support innovative IPM practices across farming systems. Eligible groups include public or private colleges and universities, local, state and federal government entities (including tribal governments), and non-profit organizations.
The grants are designed to address priorities such as alternatives to dacthal in brassica and onion crops, neonicotinoids in tomatoes, lygus in cotton and alternatives to fumigants.
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Kent Daane, previous grant recipient and Cooperative Extension specialist at the University of California, Berkeley, said, “The BIFS program provides a unique opportunity to help growers address important pest problems while minimizing environmental risk.”
He has used previous funding to support efforts to combat invasive mealybugs in Central Coast vineyards.
Proposals are due by July 26. Up to three will be selected for further consideration.
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