Entries by Tracy Mumma

California Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Grant Program

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Concept proposals are due by July 26, 2024. The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis is accepting concept proposals for its Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Grant Program (BIFS). The BIFS grant program funds on-farm demonstration and evaluation of innovative, biologically based farming systems that employ sustainable pest management strategies. […]

Conservation Innovation Grants in Arkansas

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Applications are due by August 5, 2024. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in Arkansas. All non-federal and non-foreign entities are eligible to apply. Projects may be between one and three years […]

Videos Educate Growers on Clean Grapevines

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Penn State Extension and Cornell University collaborated on the production of four new videos for grape growers that focus on “clean” grapevines. The videos explain the National Clean Plant Network and certified grapevines, describe what makes a grapevine clean, detail the steps for clean plant production and sale, and discuss how and why growers can […]

New Lettuce Lines Offer Improved Disease and Pest Resistance

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The American Society for Horticultural Science published a study by USDA Agricultural Research Service on its development of new breeding lines of lettuce. Dr. Beiquan Mou, a Research Geneticist with the USDA-ARS in Salinas, California, developed lines of green leaf, red leaf, and romaine lettuce with remarkable resistance to leafminer, corky root, and downy mildew. […]

Northeast SARE Research and Education Program

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Preproposals are due by August 6, 2024. Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is accepting proposals for its Research and Education Program grants. These grants fund projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. The focus on […]

Livestock Conservancy Microgrants

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Applications must be postmarked before August 15, 2024. The Livestock Conservancy offers microgrants ranging from $500 to $2,000 for residents and organizations of the U.S. who are actively working with livestock and poultry breeds listed on the Conservation Priority List. This program provides support for farm-related improvements that may include livestock; poultry; infrastructure; processing equipment […]

Organic Farmers’ Microbiome Beliefs Influence Practices

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Organic farmers’ beliefs about the microbiome influence their soil management practices, according to a new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Cornell University. Researchers surveyed 85 organic vegetable farmers in New York, gauging their microbiome beliefs, farming practices, and motivations, as well as testing soil samples. “Overall, 96% of the farmers believed that […]

Land Stewardship Project Accepting Applications for 2024-2025 Farm Beginnings Class

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Beginning and prospective farmers are invited to apply to the Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings, a year-long training program that focuses on the goal setting, marketing, and financial skills needed to establish a successful farm business. The Farm Beginnings course creates a space for folks to name their vision, acquire the tools and skills needed […]

Study Identifies Pearl Millet as Pollinator Food Source

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A study by USDA Agricultural Research Service and University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences researchers found that pearl millet pollen can provide a food source for pollinators and other beneficial insects. Although wind-pollinated grasses are not usually considered a pollinator food source, scientists observed honey bees, lined earwigs, and maize calligrapher hover […]

Northeast SARE Research for Novel Approaches Program

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Pre-proposals are due August 6, 2024. Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is accepting proposals for its Research for Novel Approaches in Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program. This program funds “proof of concept” applied research projects intended to confirm the benefits and/or feasibility of new practices and approaches that have high potential for adoption by […]