September 1998
State Budget Includes Methyl Bromide Research, Farming Systems Demos
California’s new state budget includes $2 million for the systemwide UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP) housed at UC Davis to demonstrate biologically integrated farming systems (BIFS), and to fund research for alternatives to methyl bromide. The money is included in augmentations to Cal EPA’s Department of Pesticide Regulations budget.
One million dollars is designated for BIFS demonstration projects which involve teams of farmers, researchers, and ag consultants who develop strategies for weed and pest control, including the use of beneficial insects and cover crops as a means to reduce agricultural chemical use. The other $1 million will be used to develop alternatives to methyl bromide, a common agricultural fumigation tool.
"We are very pleased to be involved in these two endeavors," says Robert Reginato, SAREP interim director. "Since regulations for pesticide use are becoming increasingly restrictive, it is important for us to help farmers find other methods to combat pests and stay financially sound."
Reginato notes that previous multi-year BIFS projects administered by SAREP have been well received by the agricultural community. The first BIFS allocation in 1994 funded projects in winegrapes and vegetable crops; funds provided by federal EPA will support extension efforts in prune, walnuts and rice.
The $1 million appropriation for BIFS supports legislation authored by Assemblymember Helen Thomson, D-Davis. The bill, AB 1998, received overwhelming support in both houses of the State Legislature and was signed by the Governor on Sept. 14. It extends the existing BIFS program, articulates additional goals of BIFS projects and adds language allowing SAREP to use a portion of BIFS funding to support research related to biologically integrated farming systems. AB 1998 was sponsored by the Davis-based Community Alliance with Family Farmers. Both the California Farm Bureau Federation and the University of California supported the bill.
