California Awards Grants to Support Biologically Integrated Farming Systems

California Department of Food and Agriculture announced the award of two Biologically Integrated Farming Systems grants, totaling $2 million. The first project, led by Sara Tiffany with Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), will advance sustainable pest management practices in California stone fruit orchards through incentivized biologically integrated trials and demonstrations. The project will increase grower adoption of alternative practices to reduce pesticide use. The second project, coordinated by American Pistachio Growers, will implement a California-specific Decision Aid System to support region-wide integrated pest management for the navel orangeworm, a key pest of pistachios, almonds, and walnuts.