We recently completed the third cycle of the ANR Competitive Grants Program, committing approximately $3.5 million over 5 years to 15 projects. For all three cycles, almost $12 million have been committed to 52 research and outreach projects headed by ANR academics.  The Division has invested in research, education and outreach projects addressing high-priority issues that are consistent with the Strategic Vision, encourage collaboration, are high-impact projects, strengthen the research-extension network, and contribute policy relevant outcomes that address significant agricultural, economic, environmental and social issues in California.

After several years of significant investment, it is time for the Division to conduct an assessment of the progress from the Competitive Grants Program to evaluate whether the intended results are being reached or if the trajectory is on target to reach them. This year we will conduct this assessment in order to ensure that the focus of the program is appropriate and impacts are being achieved or can be projected.  There will be no call for proposals this year; the next call for proposals will be issued in the beginning of 2015.  We look forward to the progress and accomplishments of the currently funded projects and look forward to a fresh set of proposals next year following our program assessment.

Bill Frost
Associate Vice President
UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources