CDFA Accepting Applications for Biologically Integrated Farming Systems and Proactive IPM Solutions

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Written by Guest Blogger on Tuesday, September 3, 2019

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting grant applications for its Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Program (BIFS) and its Proactive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Solutions Program, administered by the Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis.

Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Program Grants

The goal of BIFS is to fund on-farm demonstration and evaluation of innovative biologically-based farming systems that employ IPM strategies.

CDFA is responsible for supporting agricultural production in California by fostering innovative, efficient, and scientifically sound practices.

Applications are due on October 31, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. 

Get detailed information on the BIFS program, including the application process and requirements.

The Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA) received a one-time appropriation of $2 million for BIFS as part of the 2019-2020 budget that will be allocated in two blocks: $1 million in the current solicitation and another $1 million in 2020-2021.

Proactive IPM Solutions Grants

The goal of the Proactive IPM Solutions Program is to anticipate exotic pests likely to arrive in California and to identify and test IPM strategies which can then be quickly implemented if the pests are detected. CDFA is responsible for preventing and mitigating invasive pests. 

Techniques resulting from this proactive approach will allow for rapid deployment of management plans.

Applications are due at midnight on October 31, 2019.

Get detailed information on the Proactive IPM Solutions Program, including the application process and application requirements.

A total of $1.2 million is available for Proactive IPM Solutions in this grant cycle. Funds for the current request for proposals come from two sources. 

First, OPCA received an annual appropriation of $544,000 for this and other research as part of the 2019-2020 budget. 

An additional $3.5 million was allocated in the 2019-2020 budget to specifically help California’s farmers transition away from chlorpyrifos, an insecticide that has long been used to combat newly-arrived invasive pests but is being phased out in California.

OPCA provides consultation to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) on pesticide regulatory matters. 

The office’s consultative activities focus on potential pesticide regulatory impacts and pest management alternatives that may mitigate or prevent such impacts on production agriculture. OPCA staff is also involved in other projects relating to pesticide use and alternatives. 

Find more information on the Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis on the CDFA website. 

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This article was written by CDFA and originally posted by Lake County News on August 29, 2019.