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Biologically Integrated Farming Systems

Grantor:
CA Department of Food and Agriculture
Portal ID:
173907
Status:
Active
Open Date:
6/3/26 08:00
Opportunity Type:
  • Grant
Last Updated:
Categories:

Details

Purpose:

The goal of the revitalized Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) grant program is
to provide outreach of innovative, biologically integrated plant-based farming systems that
reduce chemical pesticide inputs.
This includes efforts to:
1) Enhance knowledge, research, and technical assistance
2) Align pest control advisors (PCAs) with SPM
3) Reduce economic risk for growers transitioning to SPM

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 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 management
• Monitoring that informs pest management
• Post-harvest disease control
• Neonicotinoid alternatives in tomato
• Paraquat alternatives
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
  • Other Legal Entity
  • Tribal Government

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.
$2,000,000
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.
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.
$900,000 – $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.
  • State

Funding Source Notes:

Indirect rate is capped at 10% for all applicants.

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)

How to Apply

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

Resources

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

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