Biologically Integrated Farming Systems

Purpose: The program funds on-farm demonstration and evaluation of innovative, biologically based farming systems that use sustainable pest management strategies. These practices aim to reduce reliance on biologically disruptive pesticides while supporting crop yields and economic sustainability. Outreach is a key component and typically involves a diverse team. The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA) is now accepting applications for the Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) Program. Funding for this solicitation comes from OPCA’s allocation of the pesticide mill assessment. For the current request for proposals (RFP), CDFA will award up to $1 million, and applicants may request the full amount. This program develops projects that demonstrate, refine, and outreach innovative, biologically integrated farming systems that reduce chemical pesticide inputs. For this RFP, we have identified five priority areas (see Project Priorities below). Proposals should advance the goals of California's Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Roadmap, including efforts to 1) enhance knowledge, research, and technical assistance; 2) align pest control advisors (PCAs) with SPM; and 3) reduce economic risk for growers transitioning to SPM. The BIFS application process will occur in two stages: 1) concept proposal submission and 2) full proposal development. This RFP is to solicit concept proposals. After concept proposal review and scoring is complete, OPCA will select up to three applicants to develop full proposals, which include a detailed workplan, budget, budget justification, and letters of support. This RFP outlines requirements for both concept proposals and full proposals. We anticipate funding one proposal at the full $1 million. Prior to full proposal development, OPCA scientists will meet with the selected applicants to discuss reviewer comments as part of a pre-project consultation. The focus of this RFP is to help growers transition away from non-selective, biologically disruptive pesticides, especially those of high regulatory concern. The BIFS program supports the demonstration, refinement, and outreach of SPM-based farming systems that are economically viable and protective of human health and the environment. All aspects of the farming system may be considered as they relate to pest management, including factors such as adjacent landscapes, whether they are farmed or not. For the current solicitation, CDFA has identified five priority topics based on recent or proposed regulatory actions and grower needs; however, projects focusing on other topics are welcome to be submitted. Priority topics: • Areawide Lygus management • Neonicotinoid alternatives in tomato • Dacthal (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, DCPA) alternatives in Brassica and onion crops • Paraquat alternatives • Areawide rodent management BIFS projects typically include all the following elements: 1. On-farm demonstration/evaluation of an innovative, biologically based farming system that employs SPM strategies; 2. A collaborative outreach effort for sharing technical information about the farming system with growers, PCAs, commodity groups, and others engaged in pest management, and; 3. An organized program for monitoring key biological and economic variables to inform on-farm decision making and evaluate project success. Eligible Applicants: Public or private colleges and universities, local, State, and federal government entities including tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and commodity groups are eligible to apply. The project lead(s) and their institutions must be based in CA; out-of-state collaborators are allowed. CA state agencies may not submit proposal applications but may be subcontractors on other proposals.

• PSCAgriculture

• bifs.html

  30 KB
  Download

• 1
  cdfa.opca@cdfa.ca.gov