Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Program
Funds projects demonstrating and promoting biologically integrated, plant-based farming systems that reduce chemical pesticide use through innovative pest management in California.
Funder: California Department of Food and Agriculture
Due Dates: June 30, 2026 (Concept/Grant proposal submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1 million per project; total of $2 million available; project duration ~4 years
Summary: Funds projects that advance innovative, biologically integrated, plant-based farming systems to reduce chemical pesticide use through integrated pest management in California.
Key Information: Project lead(s) and institution must be based in California; only two projects will be funded this cycle.
Description
The Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) Program, administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), supports outreach and adoption of innovative, biologically integrated plant-based farming systems that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. The program funds demonstration projects that utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches, emphasizing economically viable and effective biological and cultural pest management methods. Projects should help growers maintain crop yield and quality while implementing scientifically sound, sustainable agricultural practices. This cycle prioritizes projects that support California’s Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap, including enhancing research and technical assistance, aligning pest control advisors with SPM, and reducing grower risk in transitioning to sustainable practices.
