Apr 18, 2016

NIFA to fund $4M in grants for IPM research

The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has made $4 million available to support research and extension efforts to mitigate pest issues and increase crop protection practices for the agricultural community. This funding is made through the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) Program, administered by NIFA. Funding can be used to support projects that will address pest management efforts for both conventional and organic production systems. Funded projects may also develop reduced-risk methods for pest-free homes, schools, parks and recreational areas.

The CPPM program helps researchers develop innovative approaches for managing high priority pests at the state, regional and national levels. The program seeks effective new technologies to deal with both emerging issues and existing priority pest concerns. All competitive fiscal year 2016 grants will be made in the Applied Research and Development (ARDP) focus area, which centers on the development of new integrated pest management (IPM) tactics, technologies, practices, and strategies.

Since 2014, $32.5 million has been awarded through CPPM to further critical research and extension IPM efforts, according to USDA.

Previously funded projects include an extension-led project through Cornell University to identify and report locations of late blight outbreaks in Florida, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin. The University of Georgia used CPPM funding to develop a qualitative pest management monitoring network. The University of California-Davis is breaking new ground in applying ecoinformatics approaches to manage pests and improve productivity in California’s $1.3 billion citrus industry. Information on last year’s funded projects can be found here.

Applications are due by June 8. More information can be found by viewing the CPPM request for applications (RFA).