- Author: Kendra T Rose
Dear Colleagues,
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is soliciting proposals for new soil conservation management practices to be considered for future inclusion in their Healthy Soils Program.
The goal of the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) is to promote the development of healthy soils on California's farmlands and ranchlands. HSP funds on-farm management practices that include but are not limited to cover cropping, no-till, reduced-till, mulching, compost application, and conservation plantings, via 3 grant programs:
- The HSP Incentive Grants: provides financial incentives directly to growers and ranchers to implement HSP practices
- The HSP Demonstration Grants: funds on-farm demonstration projects that collect data, promote and showcase conservation management practices, and assess the potential of innovative practices in California
- The HSP Block Grant Pilot: funds on-farm implementation projects by growers and ranchers through regional block grant administrators, while building their technical assistance capacity
CDFA currently covers 27 eligible conservation management practices under the 3 grant programs of HSP (For a complete list of management practices covered by HSP, please see this link: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/docs/CDFAHealthySoilsPractices.pdf). Through this request for proposals, CDFA is soliciting proposals to include new conservation management practices in its 3 HSP grant programs. The proposals must demonstrate that the proposed new practice, if implemented, will 1) Improve soil health and 2) Provide GHG benefits, by referencing peer reviewed/ public research literature.
Proposals will be reviewed and recommended by a technical sub-committee, and will be submitted to Secretary of Food and Agriculture along with public comments and recommendations made by Environmental Farming Act – Science Advisory Panel (EFA-SAP). The secretary will subsequently finalize the decision on which new practices will be included as eligible conservation management practices in future HSP grant program funding solicitations.
Interested applicants should submit a proposal using the provided template via E-mail to cdfa.HSP_tech@cdfa.ca.gov by the due date outlined below.
Proposals Due: August 2, 2024 5PM PT
Proposal Template: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/docs/2024HSPNewPracticesProposalTemplate.docx
Visit the program web page at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/for more information.
Thank you.
Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)
- Author: Kendra T Rose
Dear Colleagues,
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is soliciting concept proposals for the Addressing Childhood Obesity and Health Inequities program. This program seeks to provide funding to projects that support, sustain, and evolve equity-oriented childhood obesity prevention, including efforts that promote systems-level change to prevent childhood obesity, address structural racism, and advance health equity. Special consideration is given to projects that:
- Address structural racism and other systems that perpetuate health inequities.
- Respond to gaps in evidence or action identified by the field.
- Engage with communities most impacted by childhood obesity and nutrition insecurity and organizations focused on people of color.
- Leverage and complement existing field assets (RWJF's and others').
Below four broader goals are highlighted in the Call for Proposals (CFP) as suggestions, but not as restrictive guidelines. Projects that cut across or go beyond these broader goals are also encouraged to apply.
- Influence Policy and Systems Change
- Produce and Disseminate Actionable Evidence and Data
- Catalyze Investment in Communities
- Change Narratives
Partnerships/ collaborations between two or more organizations; projects that engage and center communities most impacted by structural racism and other systems of oppression; and partnerships spanning state and community-level organizations are encouraged.
Interested applicants should submit a concept proposal of not more than 4 pages in length and a brief write-up on the organization and key partners by the concept proposal due date. Short listed applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal in August 2024.
Visit the program web page at https://www.rwjf.org/en/grants/active-funding-opportunities/2024/addressing-childhood-obesity-and-health-inequities.html?rid=0034400001rmHq IAAU&et_cid=2198117 for more information.
Concept Proposals Due: June 27, 2024, 12PM PT
Limited Submission: Universities can submit multiple proposals, however, RWJF is limiting proposal submissions to one per university department. Please double check with others in your unit before submitting.
Invitations to Submit Full Proposals: August 29, 2024
Full Proposal Due (Only by invitation): October 24, 2024, 12PM PT
Recommended Grant Amount: $3-$4 million, no less than $1 million
Duration: 1-4 Years
Required Match: No match required
Thank you.
Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)
- Author: Kendra T Rose
Dear Colleagues,
Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) 2024 request for proposals:
Research and Education Grant Program:
This grant program involves scientists, agricultural producers, and others using interdisciplinary approaches to advance sustainable agriculture at local and regional levels. With the collaboration of producers, projects must integrate rigorous research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture- environmental, economic, and social- and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to students, producers, and other agricultural stakeholders. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural and social resources upon which agriculture relies, and be documented in scholarly journals and disseminated throughout teaching and educational outreach activities with students, producers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Pre-Proposals Due: May 23, 2024 4pm PT
Full Proposals due November 2 by invite only
Maximum Request Amount: $350,000
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://western.sare.org/
Professional Development Grant Program
Professional Development projects must improve the ability of agricultural professionals to conduct educational programs and activities in sustainable agriculture principles and systems and to respond to inquiries on the subject from farmers, ranchers, and the public. In a “train the trainer” fashion, this program focuses on increasing knowledge and capacity for agricultural stakeholders to provide further training and information to other agricultural professionals and producers.
Full Proposals due: November 6, 2024, 11am PT
Maximum Request Amount: $100,000
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://western.sare.org/
Professional + Producer Grant Program
Western SARE funds proposals of innovative research and educational outreach for advancing sustainable agricultural practices in the Western U.S. An Agricultural Professional and three (3) Producers work together to conduct both research and education activities. The goal of this grant program is to obtain results that are applicable to agricultural production, sustain and improve the environmental quality and natural resources upon which agriculture depends, improve the profitability of farmers/ranchers, and enhance the quality of life of agricultural communities.
Project Team: Western SARE requires that agricultural producers be involved from inception to finish in the planning, design, implementation, and educational outreach of any WSARE funded project keeping in mind the inherently interdisciplinary nature of sustainable agriculture. Professional + Producer projects require a team of at least four (4) people, including an Agricultural Professional (Principal Investigator), and at least three (3) independent Producers.
Full Proposals due: October 22, 2024, 11am PT
Maximum Request Amount: $85,000
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://western.sare.org/
Farmer/Rancher Grant Program
The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Program focuses on advancing on-farm sustainability solutions by funding innovative producer-driven research and outreach. With a Farmer/Rancher Grant, an agricultural producer serving as the main applicant and Principal Investigator (PI) works with a Technical Advisor (TA) to develop a project.
Full Proposals due: October 23, 2024, 11am PT
Maximum Request Amount: $25,000
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://western.sare.org/
Sabbatical Research and Education Grant Program
Western SARE funds proposals of innovative research and educational outreach for advancing sustainable agriculture in the Western U.S. Sabbatical projects must contain both research and education components by bringing together a team of local partners (researchers, students, educators, and producers) along with a Sabbatical researcher to develop research, education, and human capacity at the Sabbatical Host Institution. Sabbatical grants must address local research and education needs with special emphasis on underserved communities, understudied geographic locations, and/or unexplored topics. The goal of this grant program is to obtain results that are applicable to agricultural production, sustain and improve the environmental quality and natural resources upon which agriculture depends, improve the profitability of agricultural producers, and enhance the quality of life of agricultural communities.
Full Proposals due: November 21, 2024, 11am PT
Maximum Request Amount: $75,000
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://western.sare.org/
Research to Grassroots Grant Program
The Research to Grassroots (RGR) grant program is built on the SARE concept that results of applied research are used to train agricultural professionals and farmers/ranchers in the latest practices of sustainable agriculture. Successful proposals must incorporate the research results from SARE-funded research projects and bring those results into the field through education for ag professionals and producers, emphasizing the strengths and barriers to adoption of the selected previous work, ultimately helping to increase producer confidence in adopting sustainable agriculture practices.
Full Proposals due: November 1, 2024, 11am PT
Maximum Request Amount: $100,000
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://western.sare.org/
Thank you.
Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)
- Author: Kendra T Rose
Dear Colleagues,
The California Apple Commission has released their 2024 request for proposals for research.
CAC Research Priorities for 2024-2025
- Methods of increasing varietal size [Gala]
- Mechanical harvesting for fresh apples
- Packing house automation techniques
- Mechanical pruning
- Thinning methods
- Fire Blight management
- GPS Fresh Apple Acreage Mapping
- Frost detection/prevention technology
- Development of Apple Varieties well suited for California conditions
- Any other topic related to cost reduction/increasing the effectiveness of California apple production.
Applications Due: June 3, 2024
Please see the RFA for specific details: https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/files/396665.pdf
Thank you.
Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)
- Author: Kendra T Rose
Dear Colleagues,
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture is soliciting proposals for their Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Education and Workforce Development (EWD) program which addresses projected shortfalls of qualified graduates in the agricultural, food, and renewable natural resources sectors of the U.S. economy (Employment Opportunities for College Graduates). This RFA seeks applications for education and training grants that focus on further enhancing the distinct components of the pipeline for developing the workforce in the food and agricultural sciences.
There are six AFRI priority areas:
1. Plant health and production and plant products;
2. Animal health and production and animal products;
3. Food safety, nutrition, and health;
4. Bioenergy, natural resources, and environment;
5. Agriculture systems and technology;
6. Agriculture economics and rural communities
The programs and deadlines under this RFA are summarized as follows:
Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy; Program Code: A7501
The PDAL Program Area Priority seeks to increase the number of K-14 educational professionals trained in the food and agricultural sciences. Participants (teachers, post- baccalaureate pre-service teachers, counselors, administrators) are expected to develop and apply skills necessary for integrating food and agricultural science concepts in their classes; explore the opportunities available in food and agricultural science career paths; and/or forge mentorships with professional and business leaders, and faculty at four-year institutions.
Applications Due: September 12, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $500,000
Agricultural Workforce Training at Community Colleges (AWT); Program Code: A7601
The AWT Program Area Priority seeks to develop a workforce ready for the field as well as industry jobs in the food and agricultural sector. Through the development of new workforce training programs, or the expansion, improvement, or renewal of existing workforce training programs at community, junior, and technical colleges/institutes, this program will expand job-based experiential learning opportunities, acquisition of industry-accepted credentials and occupational competencies for students to enable a work-ready labor force for the 21st century. Proposals aimed towards developing baccalaureate or graduate degree programs or pathways towards these degrees are not supported under this Program Area Priority.
Applications Due: September 19, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $250,000 for Design Projects and $650,000 for Implementation Projects
Food and Agricultural Non-Formal Education (FANE); Program Code: A7801
Major advances in agricultural productivity and rural prosperity in the past have resulted from transformative technologies, such as breeding tools and strategies, mechanization, and prudent use of agrochemicals. There are several emerging technologies that hold a similar promise. This Program Area priority will support content development and activities for non-formal education to foster development of technology-savvy youth. Projects must adopt or develop curriculum and activities to cultivate interest and competencies in STEM and in food and agricultural sciences supported by the six Farm Bill Priority areas of AFRI. Data science, including artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, gene editing, biotechnology and other projects involving emerging technologies will be supported in this Program Area Priority.
Applications Due: December 5, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $750,000
Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU); Program Code: A7401
The REEU Program Area Priority promotes research and extension learning experiences for undergraduates such that upon graduation they may enter the agricultural workforce with exceptional skills. This initiative allows colleges and universities to provide opportunities for undergraduate students, including those from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged groups, minority-serving institutions, community colleges, and universities.
Applications Due: August 15, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $750,000
Predoctoral Fellowships; Program Code: A7101
The Predoctoral Fellowships Program Area Priority help develop new scientists and professionals to enter research, education, and/or extension fields within the food and agricultural sciences within the private sector, government, or academia. The aim of these fellowships is to cultivate future leaders who can solve emerging agricultural challenges of the 21st century. NIFA is particularly interested in supporting fellows that address (1) sustainable agricultural intensification; (2) agricultural climate adaptation; (3) food and nutrition translation; (4) value-added innovation; and (5) agricultural science policy leadership.
Applications Due: October 24, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $180,000
Postdoctoral Fellowships; Program Code: A7201
The Postdoctoral Fellowships Program Area Priority helps to develop new scientists and professionals to enter research, education, and/or extension fields within the food and agricultural sciences within the private sector, government, or academia. The aim of these fellowships is to cultivate future leaders who can solve emerging agricultural challenges of the 21st century. NIFA is particularly interested in supporting fellows that address (1) sustainable agricultural intensification; (2) agricultural climate adaptation; (3) food and nutrition translation; (4) value-added innovation; and (5) agricultural science policy leadership.
Applications Due: September 5, 2024
Maximum Grant Amount: $225,000
For all program codes, match is not required if the applied research or integrated project with an applied research component is not commodity specific or is national in scope, then no match is required.
Please see the RFA for specific details https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/agriculture-food-research-initiative-education-workforce-development
Thank you.
Kathleen Nolan, Director, ANR Office of Contracts & Grants (OCG)