Funding Opportunities

IPM: Crops at Risk, Risk Avoidance and Mitigation, and Methyl Bromide Transitions Competitive Grants Programs. NIFA requests applications for 2010 funding through the CAR, RAMP, and MBT Programs, which support integrated, multifunctional/multidisciplinary research, extension, and education activities that address complex pest management priorities in U.S. agriculture. Approx. $1.3 million available for CAR, $4.2 million for RAMP, and $2.95 million for MBT. Public, state, and private institutions of higher education are eligible. Applications due Mar. 22.

Support for the Pesticide Safety Program. EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs seeks applications from eligible organizations for an education and training pesticide safety program aimed at reducing exposure to pesticides for agricultural workers, their families, and the agricultural community. The grantee will conduct a national train-the-trainer program to educate farmworkers about how to reduce risks from pesticides. Applications due Apr. 5.

Strategic Agricultural Initiative. EPA Region 2 seeks applications from eligible organizations to promote the transition to reduced-risk pest management practices in agriculture to protect human health and the environment. The SAI program focuses primarily on minor agricultural crop production. Applications due Apr. 12.

Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act (PRIA) Partnership Grants. EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs and Office of the Science Advisor seek proposals to advance partnerships that focus on pesticide risk management issues with a special focus on IPM approaches. This program supports a diverse set of project types, including but not limited to demonstrations, transfer of innovative IPM technologies, outreach, and education. Approx. $900,000 available. Applications due Apr. 19.

Other News

New York's IPM Program Zero-Funded in Proposed State Budget. Cornell professor Don Rutz explains why cutting the program could endanger public health and safety.

New Online Video: The Tenant’s Role in IPM. Residents in multifamily housing are learning how to practice IPM in their homes, thanks to a new video our Center has developed through the IPM Training in Public Housing Authorities project. English and Spanish versions are available.

Our latest Northeast IPM Insights newsletter features a high-tech early warning system for pests, a Connecticut grower's IPM success story, imported beetles for control of purple loosestrife, and more.

IPM³ Training Program. This ongoing web-based education opportunity helps individuals become proficient in the principles and application of IPM. The program recently introduced a new course on IPM for Facility Managers and Supervisors. Continuing Education Units and Certificates of Completion are available.

The Outstanding Team First Detector Educator Award was presented by the Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network to Mary Kay Malinoski, David Clement, and Karen Rane (Univ. of Maryland) for their innovative and original training incorporating the First Detector curriculum into live, real-time webinars reaching all twelve northeastern states.

International Conference on Pollinator Biology, Heath and Policy will be held July 24-28, 2010. This conference, hosted by Penn State's Center for Pollinator Research, will include symposia on behavioral ecology, disease ecology, impacts of environmental toxins, policy and public outreach, conservation, and updates on international honey bee population decline.