Fertilizer Research and Education Program

The Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) within the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Division of Inspection Services is currently accepting concept proposals.

Proposals may focus on research and/or education projects (see priority research areas listed below) to provide growers and industry with cost-effective practices to improve the efficient use of fertilizer and minimize environmental impacts.

Priority areas for 2021 are: 

1. Improving input management
   A. Demonstrating and/or Validating Management Practices that Optimize Nutrient/ Irrigation Water Use
   B. Addressing Challenges/ Barriers to Adoption of Management Practices
2. Understanding soil-plant processes
   A. Filling Knowledge Gaps for Nitrogen Management in Specific Crops
   B. The Role of Organic input materials in Soil Nutrient Management
3. Loss pathways
   A. Understanding of Nitrogen Movement from the Root Zone
   B. Mitigation Strategies to Reduce Nitrogen Losses

Funding: $75,000 per year

Duration: 3 years

Research Authority due date: 21.1.21

Concept paper (required) due date: 29.1.21

Full proposal due date: 17.5.21