Biologically Integrated Farming Systems

Purpose

The goal of the revitalized Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) grant program is to provide outreach of innovative, biologically integrated plant-based farming systems that reduce chemical pesticide inputs. This includes efforts to: 1) Enhance knowledge, research, and technical assistance2) Align pest control advisors (PCAs) with SPM3) Reduce economic risk for growers transitioning to SPM

Description

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.