CDFA’S OPCA NOW ACCEPTING 2025–2026 PROPOSALS FOR BIOLOGICALLY INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEMS (BIFS) GRANTS

SACRAMENTO, June 4, 2025 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA), within the Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability, is now accepting concept proposals for its Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Grant Program (BIFS).

The program funds on-farm demonstration and evaluation of innovative, biologically based farming systems that employ sustainable pest management (SPM) strategies. These practices aim to reduce reliance on biologically disruptive pesticides while supporting crop yields and economic sustainability. Outreach is a key component of BIFS projects and typically involves a diverse team made up of growers, pest control advisors, commodity groups, researchers, and other relevant stakeholders.

Past BIFS projects have refined and promoted SPM practices such as areawide mating disruption, biological control via natural enemy releases and habitat planting, non-fumigant soil disinfestation, removal of diseased plants, bio-pesticides, and more, across diverse cropping systems.

The 2025–2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) identifies five priority funding areas based on recent or proposed regulatory actions and grower needs:

1. Areawide pest management of Lygus, the Western tarnished plant bug, a major pest of multiple California crops including cotton and strawberries
2. Alternative control strategies for pests previously controlled by neonicotinoid insecticides in tomatoes
3. Alternatives for weeds controlled by the herbicide dacthal (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, DCPA) in Brassica and onion crops
4. Alternatives for weeds controlled by the herbicide paraquat
5. Areawide rodent management

BIFS project proposals, however, are not required to address one of the priority topics.

A total of $1 million is available for this funding cycle, and applicants can request up to that amount. OPCA is funding this solicitation with a portion of its allocation of the pesticide mill assessment.

Concept proposals are due by 5 PM PST, June 27, 2025. Eligible applicants include public and private colleges and universities; local, State, and federal agencies, including tribal governments; non-profit organizations; and commodity groups. Project lead(s) and their institutions must be based in California. Following review, OPCA will invite up to three applicants to submit full proposals, with invitations expected in late July and full proposals due in September.

For full application details and submission instructions, visit:
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oars/opca/bifs.html

About the Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS)
The Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) is dedicated to supporting a sustainable and thriving future for California’s farmers and ranchers. With 90 percent of the state’s farms being family-owned and producing more than 400 crops—including one-third of the nation’s vegetables and over three-quarters of its fruits and nuts—California agriculture plays a vital role in the food system. These farms face growing challenges from drought, extreme heat, and evolving pest pressures. Through innovative programs, science-based approaches, and strong partnerships, OARS delivers practical tools and strategies to advance both environmental resilience and economic sustainability across the state’s diverse agricultural landscape.