About this archived opportunity

The focus of this RFP is to help growers transition away from non-selective, biologicallydisruptive pesticides, especially those of high regulatory concern. The BIFS program supportsthe demonstration, refinement, and outreach of SPM-based farming systems that are economically viable and protective of human health and the environment. All aspects of thefarming system may be considered as they relate to pest management, including factors such asadjacent landscapes, whether they are farmed or not.For the current solicitation, CDFA has identified five priority topics based on recent orproposed regulatory actions and grower needs; however, projects focusing on other topics arewelcome to be submitted.Priority topics:• Areawide management• Monitoring that informs pest management • Post-harvest disease control• Neonicotinoid alternatives in tomato • Paraquat alternativesBIFS 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 farmingsystem with growers, PCAs, commodity groups, and others engaged in pestmanagement, and;3. An organized program for monitoring key biological and economic variables to inform on-farm decision making and evaluate project success.

Related opportunities

• Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science ProgramNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·Closes Dec 2026·Up to $10M
• Beet Curly Top Virus Control Program GrantsCA Department of Food and Agriculture·Up to $190K
• Specialty Crop Multi-State Grant Program 2026Agricultural Marketing Service·Closes in 83 days·Up to $1M
• 2026 Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant ProgramDepartment of Fish and Wildlife·Closes in 6 days·Up to $576K
• Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards Implementation Development and Maintenance, with Mutual Reliance Initiatives Clinical Trials Not AllowedFood and Drug Administration·Closes Apr 2027·Up to $300K
• Urban, Indoor, and other Emerging Agricultural Production Research, Education, and Extension InitiativeNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·Closes in 2 days·Up to $500K