- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will hold workshops the week of Nov. 15 on the 2012 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). In 2012, CDFA expects to award up to $18 million in SCBGP funds for research, marketing, and nutrition projects that enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops.
“These workshops are important for any organization interested in this program, said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.
Workshops will be held in Petaluma, Davis, Fresno and Costa Mesa. Two webinars will also be held, one on Nov. 15 and the other on Nov. 17.
For more information, visit http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=11-061.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program has funded 14 of the projects submitted for consideration in its 2011 competitive grants program.
The projects range from exploring taco trucks as vehicles to provide healthy food in Central Valley communities with limited food access to a study of a collaboration between the City of Oakland’s Parks and Recreation Department and a local nonprofit that develops urban agriculture parks.
The 14 projects are being funded by UC SAREP for a total of approximately $150,000.
“Seed funding for innovative food systems projects contributes to long-term impacts that are changing the face of food and agriculture in the state,” said Gail Feenstra, SAREP/ASI food systems coordinator.
For details about the projects, please visit http://asi.ucdavis.edu/newsroom/news.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
The Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA) Statewide Special Program is requesting proposals for projects and student interns.
RREA is requesting proposals to develop and/or support new or existing projects/activities that are addressing the educational and extension needs in the management of California's valuable renewable resources. The primary purpose of this program is to promote the proper management of these resources, especially on private lands, and to provide the information/education/training needed by Cooperative Extension personnel, land owners and land managers.
The program is also requesting student intern proposals that would utilize the services and talents of student interns during the summer. Internships are open to undergraduate or graduate students from any institution of higher education in California, particularly the University of California and the California State universities. Principal investigators will not be granted additional RREA funds to pay for supplemental costs associated with the project. Student interns are expected to work 40 hours/week on projects or activities that address educational and extension needs in the management of California's renewable resources. Interns will be funded up to $6,000. Intern proposals must demonstrate the connection to Cooperative Extension (county or campus office).
To apply for a 2011-2012 RREA grant, access your ANR Portal page at https://ucanr.org/portal - Universal Review System - Open Systems – 2011-2012 RREA Project and Student Intern Grants.
Submit a completed proposal application by 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2011.
For more information, contact the ANR Program Support Unit at anrpsugrants@ucdavis.edu, Melanie Caruso at (530) 752-5336 or Sherry Cooper at (530) 752-1581.
/span>- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
If you plan on applying for the ANR Competitive Grants Program, the deadline for submitting letters of intent is Tuesday, March 15.
For more information on submitting letters of intent, log into your ANR Portal and locate the Universal Review System in the lower right of the portal. Under “Open Systems,” click on “ANR Competitive Grants.” The full RFP is under “System Documents” on the right.
If you have any questions, contact Vanessa Gomez at (510) 987-0377 or Vanessa.gomez@ucop.edu.
Applicants selected to submit a full proposal will be notified by April 1. If eligible, full proposals will be due May 2.
- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
UC's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP) has announced its 2010 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Competitive Grants Program.
The $200,000 grant program is designed to encourage collaboration among individuals and groups working in agriculture. These can include farmers, ranchers, community groups and nonprofit organizations, public agencies, UC Cooperative Extension specialists and advisors, and students and researchers affiliated with California State University, University of California, and community colleges or other institutions of higher education. Each project must include at least one partner from county-based UC Cooperative Extension or a community-based stakeholder group.
Grant recipients are eligible for up to $35,000 in funding, depending on the type of project. Funding is available for four types of projects: planning grants, education and outreach grants, research grants and graduate student research grants.
Proposals are due by noon on Dec. 13. For more information, visit http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/2010RFP.htm.