The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA) is now accepting concept proposals for the Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Grant Program (BIFS) for 2025-2026. This program funds on-farm demonstrations and evaluations of innovative, biologically based farming systems that utilize sustainable pest management strategies. The goal is to reduce reliance on disruptive pesticides while maintaining crop yields and economic sustainability.
A key component of BIFS projects is outreach, which typically involves a diverse team including growers, pest control advisors, commodity groups, researchers, and other stakeholders. Previous projects have focused on sustainable pest management practices such as areawide mating disruption, biological control through natural enemy releases and habitat planting, non-fumigant soil disinfestation, removal of diseased plants, bio-pesticides, among others.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2025-2026 highlights five priority funding areas: areawide pest management of Lygus; alternative control strategies for pests previously managed by neonicotinoid insecticides in tomatoes; alternatives for weeds controlled by the herbicide dacthal in Brassica and onion crops; alternatives for weeds controlled by paraquat; and areawide rodent management. However, project proposals do not need to address these specific topics.
A total of $1 million is available for this funding cycle. Applicants can request up to the full amount. The OPCA is funding this solicitation with part of its pesticide mill assessment allocation. Concept proposals must be submitted by 5 PM PST on June 27, 2025. Eligible applicants include public and private colleges and universities; local, state, and federal agencies including tribal governments; non-profit organizations; and commodity groups. Project leads must be based in California.
Following review, OPCA will invite up to three applicants to submit full proposals in late July with final submissions due in September. More information can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oars/opca/bifs.html.
The Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) supports a sustainable future for California’s farmers and ranchers. With most farms being family-owned and producing over 400 crops—including a significant portion of the nation’s vegetables, fruits, and nuts—California agriculture plays a crucial role in the food system despite challenges like droughts and evolving pest pressures.
Information from this article can be found here.
