Spring, 1991 (v3n3)
	Sources of Funding CDFA Fertilizer Research & Education Program The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is soliciting proposals for its Fertilizer Research and Education Grants Program. Research or education projects that will improve fertilizer use efficiency and reduce groundwater contamination will be considered. Possible topics include water management related to nitrogen use efficiency and the reduction of groundwater contamination, fertilization practices, ways to determine acceptable levels of nitrogen in soil at fertilizer facilities, and Proposition 65 chemical and employee/customer exposure. Targeted audiences may include growers, fertilizer dealers, students, teachers, and the general public. New project proposals should be submitted through the Regular Approval Process (RAP). Projects already underway and expected to be completed within one year from fund disbursement may submit proposals through the Expedited Approval Process (EAP). Multiple-year proposals will be accepted. All interested parties are encouraged to apply for funding. EAP proposals are due April 4, 1991, and project suggestion sheets for RAP proposals are due April 30. For applications and a complete description of the proposal process, contact Jacques Franco or Barbara Elliot, California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N St., Sacramento, CA 94271-0001 or call (916) 322-6832. Organic Farming Research Foundation The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) was established in August 1990 after almost two years of planning. "Formal establishment of the Organic Farming Research Foundation realizes a long-standing dream of organic farmers, to play a role in the development of America's farming research agenda and better educate the public on ecologically sound farming practices," said Mark Nielsen, OFRF president. Foundation objectives are to conduct research into Organic farming methods, including soil building, pest and weed control, fertilizer and soil amendments, agricultural economics, animal husbandry, and alternative growing practices; to disseminate through publications and lectures the results of organic farming research to organic farmers; and to provide the public with information about methods, practices and current developments in organic farming. OFRF was founded by grower members of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). The Columbia Foundation provided a $25,000 grant for the first year. Private donations and other foundation grants are being sought. Funds will be used to support research and education activities conducted by CCOF and by other research and educational organizations. Early proposals by OFRF board members include underwriting an organic farming show on regional public radio; publishing a directory of suppliers of organic seeds, transplants, and other inputs; and providing a cash award for the best article published in 1991 educating the general public about organic farming. Priorities for funding research projects and other educational projects are being determined, in part by analyzing a farmer survey recently developed by OFRF's research and education committee. The foundation's board of directors includes seven organic farmers, two agricultural researchers, one consumer representative, and the president of CCOF. The two agricultural researchers are SAREP's Jill Auburn, chair of the foundation's research and education committee, and UC Farm Advisor Faustino Munoz. "We are looking for research suggestions from all sectors of the agricultural community," said Munoz. "We anticipate the results of our OFRF-sponsored research to be of interest to all growers." For a copy of the OFRF's goals and objectives, write to: OFRF, P.O. Box 440, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 or leave a message on the foundation's message machine at (408) 426-6606. No SAREP Grants SAREP will not offer a Request for Proposals (RFP) in 1991, as grant money is currently committed to multiple year projects. When funding is available for another round of grants, it will be announced in Sustainable Agriculture News, and a copy of the RFP will be mailed to everyone on the newsletter's mailing list. (Remember to fill out and return the mail update form on page 17 or you will be dropped from the mailing list.) [ Back | Search | Feedback ]