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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.

This program develops projects that demonstrate, refine, and conduct outreach on innovative, biologically integrated farming systems that reduce chemical pesticide inputs. Funding for this solicitation comes from OPCA’s allocation of the pesticide mill assessment. CDFA will award up to $1 million, and applicants may request the full amount. Concept proposals are due June 27, 2025.

What is the program’s purpose?

CDFA is responsible for supporting agricultural production in California by fostering innovative, efficient and scientifically sound practices. The focus of BIFS is to help growers transition away from non-selective, biologically disruptive pesticides, especially those of high regulatory concern. BIFS supports the demonstration, refinement, and outreach of Sustainable Pest Management (SPM)-based farming systems that are economically viable and protect 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.

Projects should demonstrate Integrated Pest Management (IPM)-based alternative pest management options that focus on economical and effective biological and cultural pest management techniques that allow growers to maintain yields and quality.

Who is eligible to apply?

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 California; out-of-state collaborators are allowed. California state agencies may not submit proposal applications, but may be subcontractors on other proposals. A state agency’s share of funding may not exceed 30% of total funding. State agencies may not take the lead in project management.

What are CDFA’s priorities 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

What kind of projects is CDFA seeking?

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.

What is the timeline for this program?

Anticipated dates for each step of the submission and evaluation process are shown in the table below.

The full Request for Applications can be found here.

For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.