Biologically Integrated Farming Systems funding available for sustainable pest management projects

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA) is accepting concept proposals for the 2026-2027 Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) grant program, which will provide $2 million in funding for sustainable pest management projects.

The program supports sustainable pest management (SPM) strategies designed to reduce reliance on biologically disruptive pesticides while helping growers maintain crop yields and economic sustainability. Previous BIFS projects have promoted practices including areawide mating disruption, biological control through natural enemy releases and habitat planting, non-fumigant soil disinfestation, removal of diseased plants and use of biopesticides.

The 2026-2027 Request for Proposals identifies five priority funding areas: areawide management, monitoring that informs pest management, postharvest disease control, neonicotinoid alternatives in tomato production and paraquat alternatives. OPCA said proposals are not required to address one of the priority topics.

Up to $1 million is available per project. A portion of OPCA’s allocation of pesticide mill assessment funds supports the grant program.

Following review of concept proposals, OPCA will notify applicants in late July 2026 and invite selected applicants to submit full proposals. Full proposals are due at the end of August 2026.

Concept proposals are due by 5 p.m. June 30. Eligible applicants include public and private colleges and universities, local, state and federal government entities, tribal governments, nonprofit organizations and commodity groups. Project leads and their institutions must be based in California.

Get all the information on California Department of Food and Agriculture website.