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Biologically Integrated Farming Systems

Grantor:
CA Department of Food and Agriculture
Portal ID:
70647
Status:
Closed
Opportunity Type:
  • Grant
Last Updated:
 | 
Categories:

Details

Purpose:

The goal of the Biologically Integrated Farming Systems grant program is to provide outreach of innovative, biologically integrated plant-based farming systems that reduce chemical pesticide inputs. Projects from this program should demonstrate IPM-based alternative pest management options that focus on economical and efficacious biological and cultural pest management techniques that allow growers to maintain yields and quality.

Description:

The focus of this RFP is to help growers transition away from non-selective, biologically
disruptive pesticides, especially those of high regulatory concern. The BIFS program supports
the demonstration, refinement, and outreach of SPM-based farming systems that are
economically viable and protective of human health and the environment. All aspects of the
farming system may be considered as they relate to pest management, including factors such as
adjacent landscapes, whether they are farmed or not.

For the current solicitation, CDFA is prioritizing projects focusing on the following topic:
• Dacthal (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, DCPA) alternatives in Brassica and onion
crops
• Neonicotinoid alternatives in tomato
• Lygus management in cotton
• Fumigant alternatives

Projects will typically include all the following elements:
1. On-farm demonstration/evaluation of an innovative, biologically based farming system
that employs SPM strategies;
2. A collaborative outreach effort for sharing technical information about the farming
system with growers, PCAs, commodity groups, and others engaged in pest
management, and;
3. An organized program for monitoring key biological and economic variables to inform
on-farm decision making and evaluate project success.

The BIFS application process will occur in two stages: 1) concept proposal submission and 2) full
proposal development. This RFP is to solicit concept proposals. After concept proposal review
and scoring is complete, OPCA will select up to three applicants to develop full proposals, which
includes a detailed workplan, budget, budget justification, and letters of support. We anticipate
funding one proposal at the full $1 million. Prior to full proposal development, OPCA scientists
will meet with the selected applicants to discuss reviewer comments as part of a pre-project
consultation.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants:

  • Nonprofit
  • Public Agency
  • Tribal Government

Public or private colleges and universities, local, State, and federal government entities
including tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and commodity groups are eligible to
apply. The project lead(s) and their institutions must be based in California; out-of-state
collaborators are allowed. California state agencies may not submit proposal applications but
may be subcontractors on other proposals.

Important Dates

The date (and time, where applicable) by which all applications must be submitted to the grantmaker. Time listed as “00:00” equates to midnight.
The date on which the grantor expects to announce the recipient(s) of the grant.
August 1
The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized.
March 2028

Funding Details

The total projected dollar amount of the grant.
$1,000,000
A single grant opportunity may represent one or many awards. Some grantors may know in advance the exact number of awards to be given. Others may indicate a range. Some may wish to and wait until the application period closes before determining how many awards to offer; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.
1
Grant opportunities representing multiple awards may offer awards in the same amount or in varied amounts. Some may wish to wait until the application period closes before determining per-award amounts; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display.
$999,999
Certain grants require that the recipient(s) provide a letter of intent.
No
Certain grants require that the recipient(s) be able to fully or partially match the grant award amount with another funding source.
No
The funding source allocated to fund the grant. It may be either State or Federal (or a combination of both), and be tied to a specific piece of legislation, a proposition, or a bond number.
  • State

Funding Source Notes:

Because this solicitation is Agricultural Industry-Funded, this RFP restricts all
applicants including UC and CSU to a maximum indirect cost rate of 10%

The manner in which the grant funding will be delivered to the awardee. Funding methods include reimbursements (where the recipient spends out-of-pocket and is reimbursed by the grantor) and advances (where the recipient spends received grant funds directly).
  • Advances & Reimbursement(s)

How to Apply

State agencies/departments recommend you read the full grant guidelines before applying.

Resources

For questions about this grant, contact:
Brian Gress, 1-916-926-1077, cdfa.opca@cdfa.ca.gov

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