Dear Colleagues, 

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA) is now accepting concept proposals for its Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) Grant Program. This program supports on-farm demonstration and evaluation of biologically based farming systems that advance sustainable pest management (SPM). Projects aim to reduce reliance on biologically disruptive pesticides while maintaining crop yields and economic sustainability. Outreach is a key requirement and must engage a diverse team including growers, PCAs, researchers, and commodity groups.

Supported Areas of Research:

BIFS proposals should focus on field-scale SPM demonstrations. Priority areas for the 2025–2026 cycle include:

• Areawide pest management of Lygus (Western tarnished plant bug)
• Alternatives to neonicotinoids for tomato pests
• Alternatives to dacthal (DCPA) in Brassica and onion crops
• Alternatives to paraquat for weed control
• Areawide rodent management

Note: Proposals do not need to address one of the priority areas to be eligible.

Key Details:

• Award Range: Up to $1,000,000
• Total Funding Available: $1,000,000
• Matching Funds: Not required but encourage
• Performance Period: approx. 4 years
• Proposal Deadline: Concept proposals due by 5 PM on June 27, 2025; Full proposals will be by invite only

More Info & Application Materials: CDFA BIFS Program Website

Thank you.

Kendra Rose, Associate Director, ANR Proposal Development Services