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Funding Opportunities for the Western IPM Center

Organic Research and Education Foundation Seeks Grant Proposals: Deadline July 15, 2004

SANTA CRUZ, CALIF.--The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is soliciting proposals through July 15, 2004, for its Fall 2004 grant cycle. OFRF funds organic research and education projects in North America that will benefit a large number of organic farmers.

OFRF has awarded over 220 grants totaling more than $1.4 million in support of organic farming research and education projects since 1990. Reports are available for over 90 organic research and education projects that OFRF has funded.

A grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has helped OFRF to support organic weed and pest control research projects in certain western states. Special funds are still available for projects in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. To date, OFRF has awarded $82,231 in organic research funds in partnership with EPA regions 8, 9, and 10.

As overall interest in organic food grows, so does competition for OFRF grants. However, this should not discourage farmers from applying.

ñMeaningful farmer involvement is a requirement for every project we fund,î stated Jane Sooby, technical program coordinator. ñIf you have a good idea, we can work with you to develop a strong experimental design, and to connect with an extension- or university-based cooperator. Most successful farmer grants feature this kind of cooperation.î

For more information on the OFRF grants program, including a list of previously funded projects, guidelines for applications, and a free guide to conducting on-farm research, contact OFRF at 831-426-6606, or e-mail Jane Sooby. Complete information is online.

The Organic Farming Research Foundation was founded in 1990 to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming practices. To that end, our mission is to sponsor research related to organic farming; to disseminate research results to organic farmers and to growers interested in adopting organic production systems; and to educate the public and decision makers about organic farming issues.

Jane Sooby
Technical Program Coordinator
Organic Farming Research Foundation
P.O. Box 440
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
Phone: 831-426-6606
Fax: 831-426-6670
Web site: www.ofrf.org

Western Integrated Pest Management Center

Pest Management Centers are sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture,
Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service