Spring 1995 (v7n2)
UC SAREP will be implementing a new competitive grants program to help farmers reduce their use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers by adopting biologically integrated farming systems. The new Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) program is the result of legislation unanimously passed by the California Legislature and signed by Governor Pete Wilson last fall. Assembly Bill 3383 (Agricultural Chemical Reduction Pilot Demonstration projects) enables the University of California to award grants providing technical and financial incentives to growers.
In January 1995 the Regents of the University of California approved the implementation of this legislation. UC SAREP will be administering the competitive grants program, which will provide $585,000 in state and federal funds for pilot demonstration projects in up to five commodities in up to five counties. In 1995, $250,000 of this will come from the California Environmental Protection Agency's Department of Pesticide Regulation and $335,000 from US-EPA.
The program is based on the Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) model, pioneered by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers Foundation in collaboration with the University of California in the last several years. The BIOS model involves a team approach to project management. A management team is assembled of farmer consultants, UC farm advisors and researchers, independent pest control advisors and a project coordinator, all with experience in reducing agrichemical use through whole-systems management. The management team helps the farmer and his or her pest control advisor develop a customized farm and soil plan and guides them over the course of the season. The focus of the BIOS model is on-farm reduction of agrichemicals. It draws on a whole-systems approach, i.e., enhancing soil fertility and crop protection through the use of cultural practices and biological pest control, creating on-farm habitats for beneficial insects, using cover crops to meet some nitrogen needs, and reducing reliance on agricultural chemicals.
Previous BIOS projects have emphasized reliance on UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources research, including studies funded by UC SAREP and the UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project.
A BIFS program advisory committee has been assembled to evaluate a draft Request for Proposals (RFP), and to review proposals that are submitted. The RFP will be issued in April, with proposals due at the end of June or mid-July. Awards will be announced and made in August. For more information, contact Robert Bugg, SAREP, at (916) 754-8549.
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