The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications for its Adaptive IPM for Invasive Agricultural Pests program. This initiative was formerly known as Proactive IPM Solutions and is designed to address the growing threat of invasive agricultural pests in California.
The program focuses on developing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that can be rapidly deployed when new invasive pests arrive and become established. It also supports research aimed at refining existing IPM methods, especially for pests that drive high pesticide use due to resistance but remain largely uncontrolled.
Eligible projects must meet at least one of the following goals: developing new IPM approaches for potential future pest arrivals, improving strategies for newly detected or resurging pests, or enhancing current IPM tools for established pests. Projects should target pests identified as priorities by the CDFA, excluding those typically eradicated like certain fruit flies.
The grant offers up to $500,000 for a single award, with funding support for a four-year period. Selected projects will start on January 1, 2026, and must be completed by January 31, 2029.
Applicants may include public or private colleges and universities, government agencies at all levels (including California Native American Tribes), and nonprofit organizations. Lead applicants must be based in California, although partnerships with out-of-state collaborators are permitted.
If the project involves pests not yet established in California, the research team must have access to a quarantine facility. Additionally, all federal and state permits must be obtained to work with non-exempt species. The application deadline is August 29, 2025.
For more information, visit CDFA.
