Sources of Funding

Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Grants

UC SAREP, with support from US-EPA, has released a new Request for Proposals to fund Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) projects in field crops, row crops, orchards, vineyards, or livestock. Proposals are due October 2, 2001. SAREP expects to fund two or three new demonstration projects. Awards usually range from $65,000 to $100,000 per year for three-year projects. For complete guidelines on how to apply, see the full Request for Proposals at: www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/Grants/RFP/2001/BIFS.htm or call 530-752-7556.

Organic Research Grants

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) invites applications for research grants of up to $10,000 for consideration in its twice-yearly funding cycle. Funds are offered for organic farming research, dissemination of research results to organic farmers and growers interested in making the transition to organic production and consumer education on organic farming issues. OFRF technical program coordinator Jane Sooby is available to work with farmers and others interested in doing on-farm research and applying for grants. The foundation’s on-farm research guide gives an overview of the research process and is accessible through OFRF’s Web site (www.ofrf.org) under “research program” or can be ordered free of charge by calling OFRF at (831) 426-6606. The deadlines for proposal consideration are January 15 for the spring funding cycle and July 15 for the fall funding cycle. Contact Sooby at OFRF, PO Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 or email research@ofrf.org or jane@ofrf.org

Pest Management Grants

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is offering funding for reduced-risk pest management projects. Four proposal options are being offered, including: 1) Applied Research Grants for university researchers, private groups and government entities to develop new reduced-risk practices or refine existing practices. Up to $30,000 per year is available. Proposals are due Oct. 4, 2001. 2) Demonstration Grants for university researchers, private groups, non-profit organizations, government entities and others to address local or regional pest management challenges. Projects typically involve practical demonstration of reduced-risk practices on private or public property (farms, nurseries, schools, parklands). Up to $50,000 per year is available. Proposals are due Oct. 4, 2001. 3) Evaluation Grants, which are required as a preliminary step for the Pest Management Alliance grants (the fourth grant option). Evaluations describe an existing pest management system. Groups can receive up to $10,000 to prepare an evaluation. Proposals are due Sept. 13, 2001. 4) Alliance Grants to help commodity groups, non-agricultural groups, and urban groups address pest management issues on a regional or statewide scale. Groups can receive up to $100,000 per year, with a required dollar-for-dollar match. Proposals are due November 1, 2001. For more information on the grants, download complete Request for Proposal bid packages at the DPR Web site: www.cdpr.ca.gov/dprgrants.htm, or contact Bob Elliott at DPR, P.O. Box 4015, Sacramento, CA 95812-401; Tel: (916) 324-4100; Fax: (916) 324-4088; Email: belliott@cdpr.ca.gov.