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 2026 are: 

1. Improving Nutrient and Irrigation Management
   
   1. Evaluating Challenges and Barriers to Adoption of Management Practices
   2. The Role of Organic Input Materials in Soil Nutrient Management
   3. Demonstrating and/or Validating Management Practices
   4. Filling Knowledge Gaps for Nutrient and Irrigation Management
2. Evaluating Nutrient Loss Pathways
   
   1. Understanding Nutrient Movement and transformations
   2. Mitigation Strategies to Reduce Nutrient Losses

Funding: $100,000 per year

Duration: 3 years

Research Authority due date: 20.4.26

Concept paper (required) due date:  27.4.26

Full proposal due date: July 2026