Sacramento, CA — July 6, 2026 — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting grant applications for its Adaptive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Invasive Agricultural Pests program, administered by the Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA) within the Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS). There is $500,000 in this grant cycle, expected to fund one grant. The application period is July 6 through August 31, 2026.
This program employs a responsive, dynamic, and inclusive approach to address the evolving threat of invasive agricultural pests in California. By supporting research into adaptable IPM strategies, the program enables swift action against emerging, resurging, and expanding invasive agricultural pests. Furthermore, it supports enhancing management for established invasive pests that lack effective control options, particularly those with developed pesticide resistance.
The Adaptive IPM program has allowed us to build a network of expertise to monitor for and educate on New World Screwworm. This reemerging invasive pest is a direct threat to all animal agriculture in California, and early detection is our best defense to keep livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and humans safe.— Dr. Amy Murillo, past Adaptive IPM for Invasive Agricultural Pests grant recipient and Associate Professor of Entomology, University of California, Riverside
CDFA is committed to IPM methods across its pest management activities, and the Adaptive IPM for Invasive Agricultural Pests program actively prioritizes biological, cultural, and selective low-risk chemical solutions over broad-spectrum insecticides.
Applications are due by 5:00 pm, August 31, 2026. Public or private colleges and universities, local, state, and federal government entities including Tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and commodity groups are eligible to apply. The project lead(s) and their institutions must be based in California. Detailed information, including the application process and requirements, is available at cdfa.ca.gov/oars/opca/adaptive-ipm.html.