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 technical assistance 2) Align pest control advisors (PCAs) with SPM 3) Reduce economic risk for growers transitioning to SPM Description: The focus of this RFP is to help growers transition away from non-selective, biologically disruptive pesticides, especially those of high regulatory concern. The BIFS program supports the outreach of SPM-based farming systems that are economically viable and protective of 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. 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 management • Monitoring that informs pest management • Post-harvest disease control • Neonicotinoid alternatives in tomato • Paraquat alternatives 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 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. Eligibility Requirements Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit Other Legal Entity Tribal Government Important Dates Application deadline The date (and time, where applicable) by which all applications must be submitted to the grantmaker. Time listed as “00:00” equates to midnight. 6/30/26 12:00 Expected award announcement The date on which the grantor expects to announce the recipient(s) of the grant. October 2025 Period of performance The length of time during which the grant money must be utilized. 4 years Funding Details Total estimated available funding The total projected dollar amount of the grant. $2,000,000 Expected number of awards A single grant opportunity may represent one or many awards. Some grantors may know in advance the exact number of awards to be given. Others may indicate a range. Some may wish to and wait until the application period closes before determining how many awards to offer; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display. 2 Estimated amount per award Grant opportunities representing multiple awards may offer awards in the same amount or in varied amounts. Some may wish to wait until the application period closes before determining per-award amounts; in this case, a value of “Dependent” will display. $900,000 – $1,000,000 Letter of Intent Required? Certain grants require that the recipient(s) provide a letter of intent. No Requires Matched Funding? Certain grants require that the recipient(s) be able to fully or partially match the grant award amount with another funding source. No Funding Source: The funding source allocated to fund the grant. It may be either State or Federal (or a combination of both), and be tied to a specific piece of legislation, a proposition, or a bond number. State Funding Source Notes: Indirect rate is capped at 10% for all applicants. Funding Method: The manner in which the grant funding will be delivered to the awardee. Funding methods include reimbursements (where the recipient spends out-of-pocket and is reimbursed by the grantor) and advances (where the recipient spends received grant funds directly). Reimbursement(s) How to Apply State agencies/departments recommend you read the full grant guidelines before applying.

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 technical assistance 2) Align pest control advisors (PCAs) with SPM 3) Reduce economic risk for growers transitioning to SPM Description: The focus of this RFP is to help growers transition away from non-selective, biologically disruptive pesticides, especially those of high regulatory concern. The BIFS program supports the outreach of SPM-based farming systems that are economically viable and protective of 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. 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 management • Monitoring that informs pest management • Post-harvest disease control • Neonicotinoid alternatives in tomato • Paraquat alternatives 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.