March 2001
Organic agriculture targeted in SAREP competitive grants program
DAVIS -- A University of California program is seeking proposals for research and education efforts to expand knowledge of organic farming practices, biologically integrated farming techniques and sustainable community food systems.
"The number of organic farms in California has doubled the last eight years," said Sean L. Swezey, director of the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP). "In the next 25 years we predict more than half of California agriculture will rely on techniques used on organic farms and other biologically integrated farming systems. Our competitive grants program is targeting these farms so they can benefit from systematic UC research and development and so traditional farmers can learn how to adopt alternative practices."
SAREP will fund research and education projects focusing on organic production, biologically integrated farming systems and promoting the development of sustainable community food systems.
Organic farmers, under federal regulation, do not use most synthetically derived agricultural fertilizers and pesticides. Most organic and many other farmers integrate biological and cultural control of pests into their farming systems, provide on-farm habitats for beneficial insects and use soil-building practices such as the incorporation of cover crops or organic forms of nutrients, including composts and manures, to provide all or part of the nitrogen needed by crops. SAREP funding will also support connections between farmers and urban residents in their efforts to strengthen community food systems projects that use sustainable food production, processing, distribution and consumption.
Total funding will be approximately $125,000 in the three areas, with typical awards in the $5,000 to $20,000 range. Larger budgets will be considered. Proposals are due April 3, 2001, with grant awards allocated in July. All current Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are posted on SAREP's Web site, http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu. The site also describes projects and events funded in previous funding cycles. For more information, contact SAREP grants manager Bev Ransom at (530) 754-8546; baransom@ucdavis.edu.
Media Contacts:
Lyra Halprin, (530) 752-8664, lhalprin@ucdavis.edu
