Skip to Content
Return to Search

Biologically Integrated Farming Systems

Grantor:
CA Department of Food and Agriculture
Portal ID:
112632
Status:
Active
Opportunity Type:
  • Grant
Last Updated:
Categories:

Details

Purpose:

The program funds on-farm demonstration and evaluation of innovative, biologically based farming systems that use sustainable pest management strategies. These practices aim to reduce reliance on biologically disruptive pesticides while supporting crop yields and economic sustainability. Outreach is a key component and typically involves a diverse team.

Description:

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Office of Pesticide Consultation
and Analysis (OPCA) is now accepting applications for the Biologically Integrated Farming
Systems (BIFS) Program. Funding for this solicitation comes from OPCA’s allocation of the
pesticide mill assessment. For the current request for proposals (RFP), CDFA will award up to $1
million, and applicants may request the full amount. This program develops projects that
demonstrate, refine, and outreach innovative, biologically integrated farming systems that
reduce chemical pesticide inputs. For this RFP, we have identified five priority areas (see Project
Priorities below).

Proposals should advance the goals of California's Sustainable Pest Management (SPM)
Roadmap, including efforts to 1) enhance knowledge, research, and technical assistance; 2)
align pest control advisors (PCAs) with SPM; and 3) reduce economic risk for growers
transitioning to SPM.

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
include a detailed workplan, budget, budget justification, and letters of support. This RFP
outlines requirements for both concept proposals and full proposals. 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.

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 has identified five priority topics based on recent or
proposed regulatory actions and grower needs; however, projects focusing on other topics
are welcome to be submitted.
Priority topics:
• Areawide Lygus management
• Neonicotinoid alternatives in tomato
• Dacthal (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, DCPA) alternatives in Brassica and onion
crops
• Paraquat alternatives
• Areawide rodent management

BIFS projects 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.

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 CA; out-of-state
collaborators are allowed. CA 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.
October 2025
The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized.
4 years

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 – 2
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.
$1,000,000
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.
  • Other

Funding Source Notes:

Agricultural Fund

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).
  • Reimbursement(s)

Funding Method Notes:

Indirect rate is limited to 10% for all entities including UC.

How to Apply

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

Resources

For questions about this grant, contact:
Brian Gress, 1-916-927-1537, cdfa.opca@cdfa.ca.gov

Similar to This Grant