Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) Grants
[Note: The BIFS Request for Proposals (RFP) was released in October 1998. This is a reminder.] Farmers, commodity groups and academic researchers are encouraged to apply for grants administered by SAREP to improve soil fertility and crop protection with cultural practices and biological pest control that reduce reliance on agricultural chemicals. In September 1998 the California State legislature authorized $1 million for another round of BIFS funding. Awards range from $70,000 to $100,000 per year and will be available through the Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) program. BIFS demonstration projects 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. Proposals are due March 15, 1999. California institutions and individuals are invited to apply for funding. Principal investigators on BIFS projects may be private individuals, for-profit and non-profit corporations, including commodity boards, Resource Conservation Districts, Natural Resources Conservation Service District or soil conservationists, University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisors, Cooperative Extension specialists, Area IPM Advisors, and faculty of any accredited California institution of higher learning. Copies of the RFPs are available on SAREP’s Web site at http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu  or by contacting SAREP grants manager Bev Ransom at (530) 754-8546 or baransom@ucdavis.edu