Aug 31, 2021

Grant opportunities set to accelerate transition to better pest management

Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced Aug. 31 $5.5 million in upcoming grant opportunities to increase the speed and the scale at which safer and sustainable pest management practices are adopted across the state. The increased grant funds were allocated in California’s 2021-2022 state budget, and represent a 617% increase in potential funding opportunities. Grant applications will open Sept. 2, 2021.

“Sustainable pest management research, education and outreach are critical to protecting public health,” said DPR Acting Director Julie Henderson. “Accelerating a transition to safer pest management practices will protect the health of all Californians, preserve our environment, support a strong agricultural economy and address pest management in urban settings.”

DPR offers two grant programs focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) research, outreach and education.

• The Research Grants Program: $3.75 million to fund research into pest management practices that reduce pesticide use or provide alternative methods or practices that could replace pesticides that present a risk to public health or the environment. Examples of past Research Grant projects include a study of aphid control in lettuce without the use of pyrethroid and neonicotinoid pesticides, and a project looking at using building design in public housing to help prevent pests.
• The Alliance Grants Program: $1.8 million to fund projects that promote or increase the implementation, expansion and adoption of effective and proven IPM systems or practices in agricultural, wildland or urban settings. Examples of past Alliance Grant projects include creation of a training program for structural pest management professionals, and another to provide training in IPM practices to Iu-Mien and Hmong farmers.

DPR’s 2022 Grants Programs application process is updated from previous years and will offer an extended solicitation period.

The 2022 Research Grants Program solicitation period will open Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, and applications will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 10, 2021, at 5 p.m. PST.

Once the solicitation period has opened, application information, links to virtual information sessions, and application materials will be available at this link: Research Grants Program.

For questions concerning the Research Grants Program, please contact Research Grants Program Lead Jordan Weibel at Jordan.Weibel@cdpr.ca.gov.

The 2022 Alliance Grants Program solicitation period will open Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, and applications will be accepted through Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 5 p.m. PST.