IPM News and Events Roundup 06/28/2024
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center
If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at jlh472@cornell.edu. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived on our website.
Enjoy your holiday! The Roundup will return July 12th, 2024.
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Northeastern IPM Center News
Increasing Access to Practical Biocontrol Information through Digital Resources
October 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MFNtyp2KQoaWGYrAbDfvPw
The webinar will be recorded for anyone unable to attend the live session.
Description
The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program Biocontrol website continues to grow with information for all of North America. In the past year, we have added profiles of individual biocontrol agents, and we are planning to incorporate resources developed through the Augmentative Biocontrol (ABC) Working Group. The focus for both is to provide practical information that addresses barriers to biocontrol adoption and helps growers and gardeners successfully implement biocontrol. During the toolbox talk we will provide a tour of biocontrol agent profiles and describe the ongoing process and progress to create resources on augmentative biocontrol.
Amara Dunn-Silver
Biocontrol Specialist – New York State Integrated Pest Management Program, part of the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Amara supports the effective use of biological control solutions for pests in all agricultural commodities, as well as pests encountered by New Yorkers where they live, work, play, and learn.
Hillary Peterson
Integrated Pest Management Specialist – Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Hillary is responsible for IPM education and implementation across the state including pests affecting structures like schools, homes, and restaurants, agriculture, invasive species, and more.
Bee Breeding and IPM for Better Pollinator Health
November 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YZTukWExRLq9o2-3qgTL2g
The webinar will be recorded for anyone unable to attend the live session.
Description
This presentation will focus on recently published and current research on the genetics and breeding of mite-resistant stocks in honey bees, and a recent study using a sustainable method to manage varroa mites in bee hives.
Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay
Associate Professor, Central State University
Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society and president of the International Branch of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). Her doctoral degree is in entomology from Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana) and she studied the genetics and physiology of Drosophila melanogaster. Then she worked at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and North Carolina State University to study functional genomics and social behavior of honey bees. In 2017, she started her research lab on bee genetics, genomics, pollinators, and ecology. She has mentored 40 undergrad students at CSU, and published 49 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters including P.N.A.S., BMC Genomics, Insect Molecular Biology, etc. She has presented 120 talks for research. She’s on the Editorial Board of Current Research in Insect Science, and topic editor for Nature Scientific Reports, Cell Heliyon, and the Journal of Insect Science.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a final cancellation order for Corteva’s chlorpyrifos product “Dursban 50W in Water Soluble Packets” and three Gharda chlorpyrifos products, and an amendment to the existing stocks provisions for two Liberty and three Winfield chlorpyrifos end-use products. The Agency has also updated the frequently asked questions about chlorpyrifos on its website.
The final cancellation orders and existing stocks amendment are available at docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0223 at www.regulations.gov. For more information, view the Federal Register Notices.
Research in the news
Annual flower strips increase biodiversity even if planting is delayed (onlinelibrary.wiley.com | June 24, 2024)
Flower strips are an effective way to enhance agroecosystem biodiversity and ecosystem services. Most flower strips are composed of perennial species. Despite their ecological benefits, perennial flower strips are not widely adopted. Barriers to adoption include the long-term commitment required and concerns about weeds. This study explores whether annual flower strips might be feasible for more farmers. We conducted an on-farm experiment on five commercial farms in New York, USA. On each farm, we established four treatments.
Manipulating soil resource availability to alter microbial communities for weed management in agroecosystems (sciencedirect.com)
Highlights
- High-carbon soil amendments immobilized soil available nitrogen.
- Nitrogen-responsive plant growth was reduced in soils indicating nitrogen immobilization.
- Soil carbon amendments enriched for distinct bacterial and fungal communities.
- Fungal alpha diversity was consistently reduced in carbon-amended soils.
Survey of Leafminers on American Chestnut and other Castanea spp. (Fagales: Fagaceae) on Long Island, NY (academic.oup.com)
The effect of the 20th-century functional extinction of the American Chestnut (Fagaceae: Castanea dentata (Marshall) Borkh) on associated herbivorous insects is unknown. These insects include leafminers that spend at least part of their larval phase feeding between the epidermises of leaves. We surveyed leafminers on C. dentata, nonnative Castanea spp., and hybrids on Long Island, NY. We found 10 leafminer species feeding on Castanea spp. A first New York State record was documented for Stigmella castaneaefoliella (Chambers) (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae). New host records are established for 6 lepidopterans, including a new host genus for Phyllonorycter basistrigella (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae).
News
North Central IPM June 2024 Issue
Highlights:
- Pollinator news
- Resources and research
- Details about a new team that is working on using 3D printing to improve pest management training.
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
What the ... ?
Box Tree Moth Quarantines
Recent APHIS Regulations
Back Pocket Grower
Maryland Agencies to Treat Potomac River for Black Fly Control
MDA will apply a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)-based larvicide via helicopter (Bell 206 Long Ranger, green and white paint scheme. Tail number is N641HA). Bti is a naturally occurring bacteria found in soils. It is a bacterial insecticide, not a chemical, and is only harmful to a very limited variety of organisms, including midge, black fly, and mosquito larvae and a few other aquatic Dipteran (flies) insects.
“How-to” Videos: Checking the Quality of Entomopathogenic Fungi and Nematodes (onfloriculture.com)
In this installment of our “how-to” video series, we’re bringing you two related videos about entomopathogens in the soil.
The first is a new addition that can help you determine if your microbial pesticides are alive and kicking after application. This can be super important after temperature fluctuations like the heat wave we just had.
The second video is an oldie but a goodie. It demonstrates quality control and proper application of parasitic nematodes in potting media.
Akilah Stewart: Working Toward More Eco-Friendly Mosquito Pesticides (entomologytoday.org | June 27, 2024)
Akilah Stewart, Ph.D., is a second-year postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at the Indiana University School of Medicine in South Bend, Indiana. She is also an affiliate of the Eck Institute of Global Health at the University of Notre Dame. Her current research focuses on developing biorational yeast RNA interference (RNAi) insecticides for controlling mosquitoes and other medically important pests.
Greenhouse Grower to Grower Podcast: Insights on IPM and Biocontrols With Michelle Opela at Costa Farms (greenhousegrower.com | June 23, 2024)
Michelle Opela, Senior IPM Manager at Costa Farms, will be giving two talks at Cultivate on the topic of IPM and biocontrols in the greenhouse. Michelle’s career path started with studying biology at Cornell University. After a brief stint in marine biology, she joined Costa’s R&D team eight years ago, eventually finding her way into managing the company’s IPM program. In this episode, I talk with Michelle about keeping up with new advancements in biocontrols, how her marine biology experience convinced her to follow her passion for plants, and why integrated pest management is all about learning from your mistakes.
The lifecycle of powdery mildew and ways to stop it (hortidaily.com | June 27, 2024)
Powdery mildew is a widespread and destructive plant disease. Left untreated, it can spread rapidly and significantly impact crop aesthetics and yield. When powdery mildew colonizes, its growth reduces a plant's photosynthetic potential, leading to stunting and loss of leaves, and reducing crop quality.
A deeper understanding of the powdery mildew lifecycle, favorable conditions for growth, symptoms, and disease control strategies can help growers prepare their crops for success.
Surveys
Previously featured this issue
NYS Reforestation Target Species List Survey
One major challenge in implementing large-scale reforestation is the limited commercial availability of native woody species and seedling supplies. This list aims to encourage landowners, reforestation practitioners, and nursery professionals to prioritize a specific subset of tree species among the hundreds native to the region, thereby boosting seedling production, increasing the commercial availability of planting materials, and maximizing overall impact. The goal is to help New York State achieve its net-zero emissions goals by reforesting 1.7 million acres of abandoned post-agricultural lands by 2050.
The survey, which takes about 20 minutes to complete, aims to gather information about tree species selection and seed/sapling procurement from those who are professionally engaged in planning, designing, implementing, monitoring, and/or maintaining tree planting and other forest ecosystem restoration efforts in New York State. The survey should be completed by June 30th, 2024. Please feel free to share widely!”
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Newly featured this issue
The annual Cornell Field Crop Research Field Day will be Thursday, August 1 at the Musgrave Research Farm, Aurora, N.Y. The program features walking and hay wagon tours in the morning and afternoon.
The tour stops include:
- Vipan Kumar: Herbicide programs for weed control in corn and soybean
- Mike Hunter & Lynn Sosnoskie: Weed seed movement and the importance of cleaning equipment
- Louis Longchamps: On-farm experimentation, robotic interseeding
- Ginny Moore and Erika Everest: Dry-bean presentation and tasting (tasting over lunch)
- Quirine Ketterings and Kirsten Workman: Value of manure and SSEA approach
- Lilly Elliott & Katja Poveda: Seedcorn maggot: predicting damage risk in New York
- Kristen Loria and Matt Ryan: Balancing tradeoffs when no-till planting into cover crops
- Joseph Amsili: Soil health benchmarks, carbon stocks, and solar farms
DEC and CCA credits have been requested.
The program is free and open to the public. A light breakfast and free lunch will be provided.
Previously featured
Affordable housing suffers from disproportionately high rates of pest infestations, resulting in high rates of asthma and allergies, and an increased risk of pesticide exposure from repeated applications or pesticide misuse.
A look back on symposia presentations and how they influenced our work in affordable housing, Susannah Krysko, MS, will explore the impact of the International IPM Symposium on technical assistance and training provided by The StopPests in Housing program, and in turn, the pest management practices at HUD-assisted housing sites across the country by facilitating an exchange of ideas, research findings, theories, obstacles, and successes.
Date & Time: July 30, 2024 02:00 PM in EST
Description: IPM Symposium Series Webinar #3
What’s Bugging You First Friday is a monthly virtual series that explores timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. IPM is a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to not only reduce pest problems, but to also address the reasons why pests are there in the first place. Each month, our speakers will share practical information about how you can use IPM.
The 2024 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule is now available on the program’s website, and you can register for multiple events using our registration form. We look forward to seeing you in 2024!
July 5th: Japanese Beetle Management | Aphid-Eating Insects
August 2nd: Spotted Lanternfly Update | Box Tree Moth Update
September 6th: Back to School: Bed Bugs | Head Lice
October 4th: Identifying Pests in Your Home
November 1st: 2024 Tick Blitz Results | No Spray Needed
December 6th: Feed the Birds | Repurposing a Holiday Tree
2024 Webinar Series for Greenhouse, Nursery & Garden Center Professionals
Join UNH Cooperative Extension and other experts to sharpen and refresh plant production skills. These monthly webinars on a variety of topics are intended to provide practical training for greenhouse, nursery and garden center professionals, although all are welcome to attend. One New England pesticide applicator recertification credit has been applied for each event.
Register for one, multiple or all of the interactive, Online Classes
2024 Class Dates:
June 25 - Growing Media (types, components, attributes) - Jonathan Ebba
July 30 - Considerations for Growing with Wood Fiber - Jonathan Ebba & Mark Sanford
August 27 - Thielaviopsis Control - Dr. Bo Liu
September 24 - Injecting a Drench - Jonathan Ebba
October 29 - Renewable Energy Sources for Greenhouse Environmental Control - Dr. Md Sazan Rahman
November 26 - Mealybug - Dr. Amber Vinchesi-Vahl
December 17 - Fertilizer Selection Basics/Water Analysis - Jonathan Ebba
If you have questions or would like assistance registering for or accessing the webinars, including language access, please contact Jonathan at Jonathan.Ebba@unh.edu
Save the Date!
The 11th International IPM Symposium
March 3 – 5, 2025
San Diego, CA
This is an excellent opportunity for state IPM program directors and ARDP PDs to meet USDA NIFA presentation requirements.
The Symposium is a key conference that cuts across IPM issues and offers much in the way of highlighting current issues in IPM, presentations on current research and developments, and valuable networking for stakeholders.
Fellowship opportunities
Fellowship in Understanding the Scope and IPM Solutions to Woody Invasive Species in the Northeast
The Woody Invasive Species Assessment Fellow (the Fellow) will work in coordination with the UNH personnel to research and produce an assessment of woody invasive species scope of challenges, IPM recommendations and efficacy, emerging issues, research and Extension programs active in the space, and relevant government and non-profit organizations in the northeast region that provide information and/or resources for landowners to use IPM strategies for managing woody invasive species. The assessment will build capacity and expand the portfolio of the Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research Station systems to support forestland owners and managers.
DELIVERABLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The selected Fellow will be expected to deliver a final written landscape assessment in the form of an electronic professional report published electronically by the NHTOA and any background datasets by December 1, 2024
COMPENSATION
The selected Fellow will receive $10,000 to be used before December 1, 2024 to conduct the activities described above: meeting and corresponding with project steering committee, develop an assessment of existing resources and knowledge, complete a written report, and present the findings to relevant stakeholders. Funding represents approximately 1 month (160 hours) of work contributing to this effort.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should submit a proposal (300-500 words) and CV (or multiple CV’s if proposing a Fellow team) by June 30, 2024 to anton.bekkerman@unh.edu
There is no live link for this fellowship. Email above for more information.
Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program Director
The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), hosted by The Nature Conservancy, is seeking to fill the position of Program Director. The Director coordinates and collaborates with more than 30 partner organizations and NYS’s Invasive Species Management Program to direct, develop, and advance a comprehensive invasive species prevention, monitoring, and management program for the seven million-acre Adirondack Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM). This includes directing all aspects of APIPP’s program and managing a team of professional team members. The APIPP Program Director acts as the principal contact with state and local government agencies, conservation organizations, and academic and research institutions. They work closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYS DEC) Invasive Species Coordination Section and APIPP partners to set strategic direction and advance the key deliverables of a five-year contract for services with the NYS DEC.
Extension Support Specialist II (Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator)- Brownville, NY
This position represents a partnership between the New York State Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI) at Cornell University and the Invasive Species Coordination Section (ISCS) of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Lands and Forests. The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator will work throughout New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Region 6, be housed at a Region 6 DEC office, coordinate through the Regional Forester, and work alongside DEC staff. ISCS will work closely with NYSWRI to provide the Coordinator with guidance, oversight, and Region 6 support. Primary duties of this position will include surveying and managing aquatic invasive species, creating and supervising a regional AIS strike team, as well as, planning and executing research and demonstration projects related to the prevention, control, and eradication of aquatic invasives. This position requires strong communication skills and interaction with local constituents. Additional duties will include the coordination of Watercraft Inspection Steward Programs (WISP) within the Region.
Previously featured
Do you like programming, data, and maps but also crave contributing to conservation goals? Are you a problem solver who is detail-oriented, comfortable in the field, and can visualize field data? The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program and Saint Lawrence-Eastern Lake Ontario Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management are hiring a Conservation and GIS Analyst with these skills and invite you to apply!
The Conservation and GIS Analyst is a full-time hybrid position. The successful candidate will oversee GIS and other relational database programs and provide technical support for PRISM staff. Some job duties include but are not limited to, designing field survey and collection tools, data visualization, and report curation.
To apply, go to careers.nature.org and search for job ID 55285, submit your application by using the "Apply Now" button. Need help applying? Visit The Nature Conservancy's recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
ARS Vacancies as of June 18, 2024
USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is one of the world’s premier scientific organizations, with research locations throughout the United States and a small number of international locations. Several positions listed.
University of Maryland Extension (UME) is seeking an Extension Educator responsible for organizing, developing, implementing and evaluating educational programs for youth, families and communities. The Educator would work with volunteers and youth development agencies to provide experiential learning opportunities for youth, leading to the development of life skills for youth. The educator is also responsible for developing an active, ongoing recruitment campaign to involve new volunteers and youth. As a tenure- track faculty member, the Educator will be responsible for providing leadership to develop focused youth development programs in cooperation with colleagues across the county and Capital Maryland cluster. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a timeframe defined.
Grape IPM Specialist - NYS Integrated Pest Management
The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYSIPM) is seeking a dynamic and engaging leader with a passion for extension and innovation to serve as the Program’s grape IPM coordinator.
As part of NYSIPM’s award-winning team, the successful candidate will work with faculty and Cornell Cooperative Extension colleagues to help shape New York’s thriving $6 billion grape industry by expanding knowledge and access to sustainable pest management practices in grape agroecosystems and inspiring and working with diverse audiences and stakeholder communities to address the key issues impacting the state’s grape production systems.
This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Southeast Area, Crop Science Research Laboratory, Corn Host Plant Resistance Research Unit in Mississippi State, MS.
In this position, you will be responsible for implementing modern molecular breeding tools, high-throughput phenotyping methods, and statistical tools to develop maize germplasm with resistance to fall armyworm, and pre-harvest resistance to Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin accumulation.
The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is the nation’s largest public housing authority, with an operating budget of $3.3 billion and approximately 10,600 employees who manage and maintain 325 developments that house over 400,000 residents.
The Pest Management Department employs more than 300 people responsible for the reduction of pests in apartments, interior spaces such as basements and grounds. Half of the staff is made up of exterminators who follow an integrated pest management philosophy and goals set around vacuuming, pesticide use and sealing of holes. The unit also employs teams working on supplies, work order planning, program and data management, and specialized teams working with snap traps, bed bugs, rats, exclusion, resident engagement, and burrow collapsing.
Reporting to the Administrator of Program Management, the Entomologist is responsible for supporting and running various projects to better our pest management policies. Under direct supervision, receives training in and, with latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, performs beginning level scientific and applied research and analysis in the study of entomology.
Assistant Director, Sustainable Pest Management
California Department of Pesticide Regulation
(This is a repost if you have already applied for position, no need to reapply. Also, notification is from 2023, still active post)
This senior-level position will lead strategic agency and stakeholder engagement/collaboration and
development of plans, programs and proposed funding to implement recommendations of the Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Roadmap. This CEA A’s leadership will include developing support for the practice change necessary to transition away from high-risk pesticides and adopt SPM at a systemwide level. The CEA A will lead initiatives that encourage regulatory alignment and SPM alternatives research, innovation, outreach and education. In addition, the position will oversee the SPM stakeholder advisory groups and work groups to support the integration of stakeholder feedback and SPM principles in pesticide program activities, grants, education, outreach, and other projects.
Agent, Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist
University of Maryland
The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is a leading Land-Grant institution providing teaching, research, and Extension programs through University of Maryland Extension (UME) to a diverse clientele in the State of Maryland and beyond. UME seeks to fill a 12-month, tenure-track faculty position in watershed-based education with a particular focus on green infrastructure and nature-based solutions at individual and community landscape levels. The Regional Watershed Specialist for the Capital Cluster will work in the Anne Arundel, Charles, and Prince George’s counties of Maryland as well as statewide to provide non-formal education and technical assistance to stakeholders, including local and county governments, watershed groups, communities, and individuals. Education programming will focus on practices that improve water quality and quantity at the local level that lead to quantifiable reductions in non-point sources of pollution as well as improvement of water quantity/quality issues in the face of changing climate, increasing catastrophic weather events and intensities in a rapidly urbanizing region and state. The educator will be a member of the University of Maryland Extension’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Program (WPRP), consisting of faculty members with similar education responsibilities in other regions of the state. The educator will work closely with the Maryland Sea Grant Program (MDSG) to assist with implementing strategic Sea Grant initiatives that emphasize environmental justice and climate resiliency.
Agent, Native Plants & Landscapes Specialist
University of Maryland Extension
University of Maryland Extension seeks a highly motivated and knowledgeable individual to conduct applied research, develop educational programs, and engage in community outreach initiatives aimed at teaching and promoting the ecological benefits and use of native plant species in diverse landscapes. The Specialist will also be part of the leadership team responsible for implementing the Maryland Native Plants Program (along with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The IR-4 Southern Region office at the University of Florida seeks a Regional Field Coordinator (Research Coordinator III).
This role involves developing, managing, and coordinating field research programs, including field trials in pesticide residue, product performance, bio-pesticides, integrated solutions, and environmental horticulture projects. The incumbent will assign field trials associated with IR-4-funded research to field researchers, distribute research protocols, track progress, and ensure quality data are submitted to IR-4 Headquarters.
The Regional Field Coordinator will engage stakeholders in IR-4’s regional work, including growers, commodity associations/grower groups, Cooperative Extension Agents & Specialists, Agriculture Experiment Station researchers, and others connected with pest management in specialty/minor uses. Other outreach and management responsibilities are involved as well.
This role fills the vacancy opened by Janine Spies' transition to Statewide Program Leader in Fruit IPM Coordinator at Rutgers University (congratulations, Janine!).
Visit our Careers page to find more information and link to UF's job posting. Join us in spreading the word (or submit your application!) so we can help grow this talented team.
Assistant or Associate Professor of Urban Plant Ecology
The successful candidate will be a tenure-line faculty member of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and will be based in Ithaca, NY in the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS).
Expectations include teaching an undergraduate course on sustainable landscape management, a seven-week modular course on plant identification in natural environments, and co-teaching an undergraduate course on urban plant biodiversity that includes woody plant identification and establishment in urban landscapes.
The successful candidate will assume an active role in advancing the Green Cities initiative, an informal group of Cornell faculty, staff, and students who contribute to improving urban ecosystem services and quality of life.
The successful candidate will also be positioned to collaborate with numerous colleagues throughout several Cornell colleges and units.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
The Turf and Integrated Pest Management Specialist is responsible for providing leadership for the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Pest Management for Suffolk County Properties Program and the Turf Fertilizer Management Program. The Specialist aids with the implementation of integrated pest management strategies for turf, landscape and structural pests in situations where pesticides have been reduced or eliminated, providing diagnoses, training, public outreach, and research and demonstration projects. The Specialist will also provide a comprehensive fertilizer educational program includes educational training to landscape professionals and county staff regarding use of nitrogen fertilizers. The Specialist also serves as a resource for all residential, commercial, and agricultural turf management. The target stakeholders and areas of work include Suffolk County staff and properties – golf courses, parks, landscapes, county facilities and buildings, highways, and right-of-ways – as well as residential, commercial, and agricultural sod.
Director - UMass Cranberry Station / Extension Associate/Full Professor
The University of Massachusetts is seeking an experienced scientist, innovative leader and Extension educator to serve in a full-time, 12-month appointment as Extension Associate or Full Professor and Director of the UMass Cranberry Station located in East Wareham, Massachusetts. The Director will provide: 1) vision, support, and coordination in planning, developing and implementing departmental programs in research and extension in accordance with the Land Grant Mission; 2) leadership in recruiting and fostering academic growth and professional development of faculty, staff, and students; 3) administration of human, physical and financial resources; and 4) promotion of external funding opportunities. The successful candidate will report to the Director of the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment.
Questions about the position may be directed to averill@eco.umass.edu.
Funding Opportunities
Previously featured
Calls for 2025 NE SARE Large Grant Preproposals Open
Three Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) programs are calling for preproposals. $5.9M in funding is available across the Research and Education, Research for Novel Approaches, and Professional Development grant programs. Preproposals are due August 6, 2024 by 5 p.m. EST.
Professional Development Grant
Q&A Sessions will take place in June and July to help applicants determine which program is right for their project. These sessions are a great opportunity to build community understanding around Northeast SARE grant programs and procedures.
Q&A Sessions will take place from 1 - 2 p.m. EST on:
Wednesday, June 26
Wednesday, July 10
Tuesday, July 16
A single registration allows you to attend ANY of the Q&A sessions.
Register for the Q&A sessions.
Research and Education Grant Program 2025 Call for Preproposals
Preproposal Due Date: August 6, 2024 5:00 p.m. ET
Proposals are submitted online at projects.sare.org
Questions?
Visit our website at: northeastsare.org/ResearchEducationGrant. For questions about this Call for Preproposals, contact Heather Omand at: northeast-re@sare.org or 802-656-7654.
At a Glance
The Research and Education program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. An education component is required, while an applied research component is optional. Funding
requests typically fall between $30,000 and $250,000 – though there is no cap. Farmer engagement in the project is required.
The Southern region SARE program is soliciting a national Call for Proposals for the Food Loss and Waste Training and Technical Assistance Grants. The purpose of this one-time grant opportunity is to implement outreach, training, and technical assistance efforts to build capacity for food loss and waste initiatives.
The Call for Proposals is open to qualified applicants in the contiguous U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Micronesia, and Northern Mariana Islands. Application deadline is June 28, 2024 at 5 p.m. EST. Projects will span three (3) years, beginning on Sept. 1, 2024. Roughly two (2) to four (4) projects, capped at $1 million per proposal with an expected grant size of $500,000, are anticipated to be funded per SARE region: Southern SARE, North Central SARE, Northeast SARE, and Western SARE, so that regional priorities to addressing food loss and waste can be augmented, while allowing for national coordination and impacts. A total of $8 million is being funded nationally for the CFP Food Loss and Waste Training and Technical Assistance Grants effort.
Visit SARE Supporting Strategies to Curb Food Loss and Reduce Food Waste with Grant Opportunity for more information.
Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic invasive species can lead to the extinction of native plants and animals, permanently alter habitats, and imperil public health. Aquaculture, tourism, recreation, shipping, and hydropower facilities may also be adversely impacted by biological invasion. Effective and coordinated approaches are necessary to manage aquatic invaders and protect our Nation’s waters. Although prevention is the most effective approach to eliminate or reduce the threat of aquatic invasive species, Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) serves as a failsafe when prevention measures are ineffective or unavailable.
Recognizing the importance of timely action, the Department of the Interior is working with partners to identify, enhance, and collaborate on EDRR activities, including the establishment of a Rapid Response Fund for aquatic invasive species. This fund is intended make financial resources available to assess and support response actions for quick containment or eradication of newly detected species, thus avoiding costly long-term and wide-spread control efforts. This year, as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorization for ecosystem restoration, the Department invested $1 million to establish a pilot Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species with an additional $1 million envisioned each year 2024 through 2026 as part of advancing a National EDRR Framework. Investments in EDRR, including a Rapid Response Fund, help to meet conservation goals set through the America the Beautiful Initiative.
The Rapid Response Fund will be administered within the existing authorities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation program and coordinated through the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force. Co-chaired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the ANS Task Force consists of federal agency representatives and ex-officio representatives that work in conjunction with six regional panels and issue-specific subcommittees to coordinate efforts related to aquatic invasive species across the Nation. Accordingly, the ANS Task Force is well positioned to coordinate and successfully operate a response rapid fund. In July 2023, the ANS Task Force approved The Model Process: Rapid Response Fund for Aquatic Invasive Species that outlines a structure and process for operation of the fund.
Read the full Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Estimated total program funding: $ 960,000
Award ceiling: $960,000
Award floor: $50,000