IPM News and Events Roundup 12/16/2022
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.
Northeastern IPM Center News
This fall, the Northeastern IPM Center launched a series of webinars to highlight and foster diversity in IPM. We have invited presenters from historically marginalized groups to discuss topics related to their research, or to share their perspectives on overcoming barriers and succeeding in their chosen profession.
To learn more, register for an upcoming webinar, or view recordings of past webinars in the series, visit www.northeastipm.org/ipm-in-action/deij-in-ipm/
December 14, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. NEW DATE TBD
Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DzoOzJ4sR26m1DklwqbKMQ
Connect with the Northeastern IPM Center
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
SLF in the news
Spotted lantern fly map updated
NYSIPM updated the Spotted Lanternfly Maps last week. Connecticut, Ohio and West Virginia each had one new county with a known infestation. Four counties were added in Virginia.
Spotted Lanternflies and Beekeeping
Penn State’s López-Uribe Pollinator and Bee Lab has a page dedicated to the issue of honey made from spotted lanternfly honey dew. (Thank you, Brian Eshenaur | Sr. Extension Associate | Cornell University| Integrated Pest Management Program for the link)
Research in the News
More Than 100 Scientists Raise Alarm Over WHO's 'Weak' PFAS Drinking Water Limits (wateronline.com)
In recent years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as a high-profile drinking water contaminant as their prevalence, durability, and negative health impacts have been studied. Responding to this trend, the U.S. EPA has recently pursued stricter regulations around the contaminants and researchers have attempted to uncover more efficient ways of removing them from influent.
Field Guide to Terrestrial Invasive Species of the Adirondacks (adkinvasives.com)
The Field Guide opens with an introduction explaining what makes a species invasive and why it is important to manage invasive species and prevent them from spreading. Subsequent pages describe how to use the guide and include a beginner’s primer on plant identification. A brief outline of best management practices and an overview of how to use iMapInvasives to report an invasive species appear in the back of the guide.
Each of the 28 species has its own page that includes two images—one showing the species as it appears in the wild, the other highlighting a close-up feature of the species—as well as a detailed description, identifying characteristics, management techniques, and a “fast fact.” You can download the digital Field Guide to Terrestrial Invasive Species of the Adirondacks from APIPP’s website as well as order up to 10 print copies free of charge.
Ranches of the future may see cows wearing smart watches (morningagclips.com)
Using smart technology to monitor the health, reproductivity, location, and environmental conditions of cattle can help with food safety and supply chain efficiency, but this monitoring adds energy cost to an already highly emissive industry. To combat this, researchers publishing in the journal iScience on December 1 have designed a wearable smart device for cows that captures the kinetic energy created by even their smallest movements and uses it to power smart ranch technology.
Cornell leads $3M project to grow organic dry bean industry (Cornell Chronicle)
To close that gap, Pethybridge is leading a new four-year, $3 million multidisciplinary research project to increase the sustainability of the organic dry bean industry in the Northeast and upper Midwest by overcoming production challenges while developing improved management practices that build soil health and resilience to climate change. It is funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative, and includes researchers at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the universities of Vermont, Maine and Wisconsin.
Researchers study the continued vulnerability of crops to threats of mildew and bacteria worldwide (rutgers.edu)
Scientists from Rutgers University-New Brunswick are leading a new $3.2 million study that aims to continue developing sweet basil plants resistant to downy mildew and an emerging bacteria that has decimated the crops of the culinary herb for more than a decade.
Research Digest: November 2022 (New York Invasive Species Research Institute)
To create this research digest, they scan over two dozen ecology journals for papers on 1) invasive species present in New York State, or the Northeast region, 2) theoretical concepts or models which may have implications for management in New York State, or 3) economic, social, or ecological impacts of invasive species on a regional or global scale. The goal is to help managers and partners across the state of New York to more easily keep up to date on current research.
Other News
What are Biopesticides? (epa.gov)
Biopesticides are certain types of pesticides derived from such natural materials as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. For example, canola oil and baking soda have pesticidal applications and are considered biopesticides. As of August 31, 2020, there were 390 registered biopesticide active ingredients.
Biopesticide modes of action (blogs.cornell.edu – Amara Dunn)
An excellent break down of how they work. I thought of it as the Biopesticides for Dummies. If you don’t subscribe to this blog, you should. Amara has a great way of breaking down the science in an easy to enjoyable read.
Biopesticides are one aspect of biological control. The active ingredients in biopesticides include microorganisms (microbes), plant extracts, and naturally-occurring chemicals (like potassium bicarbonate). As a result, some of the ways they control pests (their modes of action or MOAs) are different from conventional, synthetic chemical pesticides. Also, many of them have several MOAs, and not all MOAs apply to all pests listed on the label. If a biopesticide contains live microbes, and especially if its MOA requires the microbes to stay alive on the plant for some period of time after application, this also has important implications for how the product is stored and applied. Understanding the mode of action of a product will help you get the most out of it.
Global Biopesticides Market to Hit Sales of $11.10 Billion by 2028 | China Produced over 14,000 tons of Biopesticide in 2021 (globenewswire.com)
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), global production of biopesticides market totaled 0.9 million tons of biopesticides in 2021. The value of this production was estimated at $3.65 billion. In 2021, China was the world's leading producer of biopesticides with a production figure of 14,000 tons. The United States came in second place with a production figure of 1,339 tons. The European Union was next in line with a production figure of 11,037 tons.
The Western Front (The Western IPM Center)
Catch up with what is going on with our Western partners in IPM.
Climate change, wildfires and a deadly fungus threaten this iconic tree (The Washington Post)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it is listing the whitebark pine as threatened under the Endangered Species Act
You dirty rats! Researchers find COVID-19 in NYC sewer rodents (nypost.com)
A new study by scientists at the University of Missouri and the USDA identified the virus in New York City rats and also found that some species of the notoriously disease-riddled animals are susceptible to the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants of COVID-19.
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
Laurel Wilt
Redbay Psyllid
& What the ??
New York State Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program (hesc.ny.gov)
The NYS Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program is offered to encourage recent college graduates to pursue careers in farming in NYS. This Program provides loan forgiveness awards to individuals who obtain an undergraduate degree from an approved NYS college or university and agree to operate a farm in NYS, on a full-time basis, for five years.
From the airy-fairy
Citrus Psyllids Bribe Ants with Strings of Candy Poop (kqed.org)
Asian citrus psyllids transmit a disease that can ruin your oranges. Even worse, Argentine ants protect them in exchange for the psyllids' delicate ribbons of sugary poop, called honeydew. So, researchers are helping orange growers fight back with invisible lasers, ghastly wasps and more trickery. (Great video – thanks for the heads up on this one Dr. Elizabeth Lamb | NYS Integrated Pest Management Program)
How Did the Tradition of Christmas Trees Start? (britannica.com)
Tis’ the season - Christmas has numerous traditions, of which perhaps none is more popular than a decorated tree. Whether real or artificial, Christmas trees are synonymous with the holiday. But how did trees become part of Christmas?
The Science of Happy Holidays (rutgers.edu)
And how to survive the season…People who get the most from holiday gatherings tend to have two traits. First, they intuitively realize there’s good and bad — stuff they like and dislike — in almost everyone and everything. Second, rather than focusing on the negative, they focus on the positive and bring it out in conversation.
Survey’s
The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land - whether rural or urban - growing fruit, vegetables or some food animals count if $1,000 or more of such products were raised and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year. The Census of Agriculture, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity.
Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More
Webinar: Understanding ISPM 15 to Reduce the Risk of Pests in Wood Packaging
ISPM 15 was fully implemented in the United States in 2006 to reduce the risk and spread of quarantine pests associated with wood packaging. This session will review the ISPM 15 program and how it has evolved to successfully achieve its goal, and where there are efforts of continuous improvement so that wood packaging can be used effectively and safely to facilitate safe trade.
Date: December 21, 2022
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm CST
Greenhouse, Nursery & Landscaper Education Day
Join a team of Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, in partnership with NYS Flower Industries. The day will feature speakers from Cornell, Rutgers and Syracuse Universities, as well as NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets and industry. Up to 5 DEC credits available in the following categories: 10, 25, 22, 1a & 3a. Cost is $50, which includes lunch. Master Gardeners may attend for $25. A virtual option is available. You can find more information on the speakers and topics below:
o Rick Yates, GGSPro Technical Services Manager: Biostimulants- Nothing but the Facts!
o Joyce Latimar - PGRs for Perennial Production
o Margery Daughtrey - Protect Your 2023 Crops Against 2022 Diseases!”
o Brian Eshenaur (NYS IPM) & Ethan Angell (NYSDAM) - Spotted Lanternfly: It’s here, what now?
o Brian Eshenaur (NYS IPM) What to Watch for in 2023: Landscape and nursery pests we can expect to in the coming growing season
o Betsy Lamb (NYS IPM) - What's new in biocontrol and IPM for greenhouses?
o Sam Quinn (Syracuse University) – Using Meadows as a Restoration Tool for Ecosystems
Registration Ends: January 15, 2023
Event Date: January 18, 2023
UMass Extension’s Invasive Insect Webinar Series 2023
Join UMass Extension’s Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program and UMass Extension’s Fruit Program presents for this series of FREE webinars focusing on the impact, monitoring, and management of invasive insects in Massachusetts and the nation! Topics to include spotted lanternfly updates, management, and entomopathogens, forest pest risk re. climate change; the beech leaf disease nematode; and invasive forest insects. Please note while participants from anywhere are invited to attend, much of the material presented will be specific to Massachusetts and New England.
Event date/time:
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 - 9:00am
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 - 9:00am
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - 9:00am
Event Type:
Online
Price:
Free (grant subsidized)
Don Downing originated the program in 1986. Cornell’s Pesticide Management Education Program took it over in 1996, with Ron Gardner running the workshop until his retirement in 2017. The workshop addresses a variety of pest problems and management strategies, proper pesticide use, and regulatory perspectives. It focuses on the food industry, with post-workshop sessions that broaden the scope to include general structural pest control and/or space and commodity fumigation.
If you register by 5:00 p.m. on January 26th, 2023, the registration fee is $135 to attend the February 7th Food Processing Session, $80 to attend the February 8th Structural Session, or $200 to attend both sessions. After that time, registration will be an additional $10. Registration includes refreshment breaks and (for Tuesday only) lunch. You can register and pay online with a credit card or by mail with a check. Please make your check payable to Cornell University and send your information to the address listed on the mail-in registration form
Event Date: February 7th and 8th, 2023. RIT Inn & Conference Center, Henrietta, NY
Join us on February 23-24, 2023 at USDA's largest and premiere annual gathering!
USDA’s 99th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF), will be held in-person at the Crystal City Gateway Marriott on February 23-24, 2023, and all sessions will be livestreamed on a virtual platform.
More than 30 sessions and 100 agriculture leaders and subject matter experts will discuss key issues impacting the sector including:
- USDA’s initial forecast for the agricultural economy, commodity markets, and trade in 2023 and the U.S. farm income situation
- Climate smart agriculture
- Supply chain challenges and solutions
- Factors impacting U.S. trade update & the global marketplace
- Food prices outlook
Save the Date - 2023 RISCC Symposium
It's time to mark your calendars! We're getting excited for our next symposium, which is scheduled to take place virtually via Zoom on February 14-15th, 2023. Sessions will take place over two days from 11am-3:30pm (Eastern).
Description: The insect world is diverse and includes a collection of critters that provide important
functions in the ecosystem. Some are pollinators, some decomposers, and many are food for the birds,
reptiles and mammals we enjoy in our landscapes. To avoid becoming a food item and defend their
colony, some insects sting, while others bite to obtain food. This presentation will help you to better
understand the stinging and biting insects found around your home, provide some insights about
reducing encounters with them, and options for effective management when necessary.
We will also discuss:
• Do mosquitos only come out at dusk?
• Brown recluse? Black widow? Joro spider? What is actually in our area?
• What bug is that crawling in my bed?
Other pest arthropods like wasps and biting flies will also be discussed!
Presenter: Dr. Matt Frye, Community IPM Extension Educator with
NYS Integrated Pest Management
February 28, 2023 12:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar here!
Science & Management Webinar of this Invasive Weed
The webinar is intended to share information on control of Japanese knotweed, Fallopia japonica, with researchers, land managers, and landscape professionals who work with riparian weeds. The webinar will emphasize attempts at practical control strategies for California's Central Coast within a broader context of its ecology.
Hosted by the Marin Knotweed Action Team (MKAT).
Save the date
DATE: Wednesday, March 1, 2023
SPEAKERS & AGENDA: coming soon
REGISTRATION: opens in 2023
QUESTIONS: email llevinger@ucanr.edu
Employment Opportunities
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)
A nonprofit organization established in 1972 and headquartered in Ames, Iowa, CAST is seeking an executive vice president/chief executive officer (EVP/CEO) to advance its mission as a leader in science communication, maintain its strong publishing reputation, increase public visibility, and impact, and lead strong fundraising efforts to ensure and sustainably manage the organization’s financial resources.
The EVP/CEO reports to the board of directors (BOD) and serves as the chief brand ambassador, a nonvoting member of the BOD and the board of representatives, the legal representative of CAST, the editor-in-chief for CAST publications, and supervisor of the CAST staff.
The EVP/CEO provides visionary leadership to the organization and will work with staff and the BOD to manage operations and projects necessary to implement and operationalize CAST’s strategic goals:
- Produce quality and relevant information in a timely manner for our stakeholders.
- Strengthen our communications with stakeholders through social media and other means.
- Maximize the value of our products to our stakeholders.
- Build a strong financial base for the long-term stability of CAST.
Preferred start date is May 2023.
Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Medical Entomology
University of Delaware
The Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware seeks to fill a tenure-track faculty position in vector biology/medical entomology. The position is a 9-month appointment (paid over 12 months) with responsibilities in teaching and research, allocated as 55% research, 40% teaching, and 5% service.
Review of applications will begin November 1, 2022, with interviews in early 2023
Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Beneficial Insects Lab
UMass Amherst
Conduct research on biological control of the emerald ash borer (EAB) with a focus on population dynamics of both the target pests and introduced parasitoids. Research will occur both in a laboratory and in forests across the U.S. and involves modeling both spatial and temporal dynamics of North American ash recovery in relation to levels of EAB infestations or densities due to the impact of both introduced and endemic natural enemies in various climatic/geographic regions in North America.
Application deadline not listed
Staff Entomologist / Educational Specialist
National Pest Management Association
The Staff Entomologist / Educational Specialist is responsible for development of technical support materials and providing entomological and scientific support for NPMA members and to other NPMA departments.
The National Pest Management Association has a unique culture that empowers individuals to move the Association and Industry forward through new initiatives, innovative solutions, and creative endeavors. Although we have a nearly 90-year history as an organization, NPMA still offer employees the flexibility and ingenuity to make a positive impact on our shared future.
Central Pine Barrens Commission
The Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission, through the Suffolk County Water Authority is currently accepting applications for an Ecologist to assist in with ecological management and stewardship projects within the Central Pine Barrens to foster biological diversity, natural resource conservation, and ecosystem protection and restoration.
This position will be strongly focused on management plan development and implementation especially for prescribed burns; pre and post management monitoring; and long-term monitoring to improve forest and grassland health, resiliency to emerging species (such as southern pine beetle) and habitat for rare and endangered species.
Individuals with a strong research background; experience in fire ecology; leading and/or supporting prescribed fires; conducting habitat restorations, and ecological monitoring activities are encouraged to apply.
Suffolk County Water Authority
The Suffolk County Water Authority is seeking a Fire Management Specialist to perform key roles in managing the comprehensive prescribed fire program operated by the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission for the Central Pine Barrens region. Responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of all aspects of the prescribed fire management program; the supervision and training of prescribed fire crews; conducting fuels, smoke and wildland fire management/mitigation; assisting with public education and outreach and the preparation of prescribed and wildland fire management plans for ecological and fuel management in collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders. The overarching programmatic goals for the prescribed fire program include fostering biological diversity, natural resource conservation and restoration and wildfire risk reduction within the Central Pine Barrens. This position is full time (37.5) hours a week and will be a designated term position that exists if the commission receives NYS funding to implement a prescribed fire program.
Prescribed Fire Single Resource Boss - Seasonal
Suffolk County Water Authority
The Suffolk County Water Authority is seeking on behalf of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission an individual with experience/qualifications in fire suppression and management; heavy equipment operation and supervision to provide leadership and oversight of prescribed fire management/control, as a seasoned, experienced firefighter on an engine or otherwise as a single resource boss for a comprehensive forest management program focused on prescribed fire operations. This position exercises supervisory authorities and responsibilities in the coordination, use, maintenance and training in the use of prescribed fire equipment and fleet including engines, heavy equipment, power and hand tools and the supervision and mentorship staff/crew related to prescribed fire operations. This position will be based in the Central Pine Barrens Commission office located in Westhampton Beach. This individual will report directly to the Fire Management Specialist. (This seasonal position extends from mid-February through May, up to 37.5 hours/week).
Prescribed Fire Crewmember/Squad Boss (FFT1)
Suffolk County Water Authority
The Suffolk County Water Authority is seeking on behalf of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission an individual with experience/qualifications/course work in fire suppression and fire management, heavy equipment operation or a related field, to serve as a seasonal Squad Boss (first line supervisory wildland firefighter) for Prescribed Fire Operations conducted under the Commission’s comprehensive prescribed fire program for the Central Pine Barrens region and will be based in the Central Pine Barrens Commission office located in Westhampton Beach. This individual will report directly to the Fire Management Specialist. (This seasonal position extends from mid-February through May, up to 37.5 hours/week).
Prescribed Fire Crewmember (FFT2) - Seasonal
Suffolk County Water Authority
The Suffolk County Water Authority on behalf of the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission is seeking four (4) individuals with experience/qualifications/course work in fire suppression and fire management heavy equipment use or related fields, to serve as a seasonal crew member for Prescribed Fire Operations conducted under the Commission’s comprehensive prescribed fire program for the Central Pine Barrens region (This seasonal position extends from March through May, up to 37.5 hours/week).
IR-4
The IR-4 Project is seeking a Quality Assurance Auditor to join its headquarters team, based on NC State’s Centennial Campus.
Reporting to the National Quality Assurance Unit Manager, the incumbent is a member of the IR-4 Project Quality Assurance Unit and is responsible for various types of quality assurance audits of IR-4 Project generated raw data and reports. The incumbent would be responsible for performing inspections of field sites and lab analyses during critical phases of a study as well as conducting facility inspections.
This vital role helps ensure the quality and integrity of IR-4 Project submissions to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Many of the functions of this position are required for the IR-4 Project to achieve compliance with US EPA Federal Good Laboratory Practice Regulations (GLPs – as documented in Chapter 40- Code of Federal Regulations, Part 160).
This is a full-time (40 hours per week), EHRA non-faculty position.
View the job posting and apply here!
Executive Director Job Announcement
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA)
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) is hiring an Executive Director to replace our current director who is leaving after years of excellent dedicated service. We are seeking a creative change agent able to take OEFFA to the next level while addressing the challenges of a rapidly shifting agricultural landscape, nonprofit sector, and policy environment.
The ideal start date for this position is December 27, 2022.
Cornell University
This program specializes in integrating basic and applied research to develop new tools in integrative pest management (IPM) science by studying the chemistry and chemical ecology of insect pests. With a focus on plant toxins detoxification mechanisms by insect pests, the aim is to harness RNAi biotechnology to reduce the expression of genes coding for these detoxifying enzymes as a promising alternative to non-selective and resilient insecticides currently used. The research and extension part of this program specializes in developing new methods in analytical chemistry to improve the detection and characterization of insect sex pheromones and plant volatiles, and to test the performance of pheromone lure/trap products to give reliable recommendations to stakeholders on monitoring pest activity in the context of climate change.
Principal Agent and Assistant Director (FCS)
University of Maryland
UME has four major program areas: Agriculture and Food Systems, 4-H Youth Development, Environment & Natural Resources and Sea Grant, and FCS. UME faculty and staff are located at offices in 23 counties and Baltimore City, the 4-H State office, SNAP-Ed State office, and five research and education centers. This position collaborates with Program Leaders, the Assistant Director of Program and Organizational Development, and the Assistant Director of Operations. At the local level, the position works with Area/City Extension directors. The position reports to the UME Associate Dean/Associate Director.
This AD/PL provides leadership and an expansive vision for innovation and excellence of interdisciplinary FCS programs. Responsibilities include identifying emerging issues, prioritizing programs, developing and maintaining university-wide and external partnerships, securing and managing resources for extension education and applied research projects, ensuring innovative and impactful program implementation, and advancing health equity and well-being.
Open until filled with best consideration date: January 30, 2023
Cornell University
We are seeking a Program/Extension Aide II who will closely collaborate with the NYSIPM Digital Outreach and Development Coordinator to take on the following responsibilities in our program.
- Collaboratively build python modules and Django web apps
- Deploy basic Django web apps to test and evaluate python modules using coding best practices.
- Perform basic non-critical planned updates to existing Django web apps, following plan of work documents.
- Research and synthesize new information about online target audience needs.
- Build mockups of digital tool interfaces for user testing.
- Participate in planned Digital Outreach Team meetings and team-building activities.
Invasive Aquatic Coordinator - IF&W Senior Resource Biologist - 1148
Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
This position is engaged in professional services and scientific work involving the conservation and management of inland fisheries, including the protection, preservation, and enhancement of Maine’s inland fisheries and wildlife resources. The Invasive Aquatic Coordinator works at the main headquarters of MDIFW and serves as a member of the Fisheries Statewide Support Team, while coordinating invasive fish and wildlife threats and concerns on behalf of the Bureau of Resource Management. The position reports to the Director of Fisheries and Hatcheries.
Apply by December 30, 2022
State of New Hampshire – Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of Forest and Lands
Conduct forest information gathering and analysis activities within the Division of Forests and Lands and in cooperation with Department personnel and external partners, to support statewide resource management, forest policy decision making, and organizational effectiveness.
Apply by December 29, 2022
The Department of Environmental Protection – Maine
The Maine DEP Invasive Aquatic Species Program is seeking an individual to join DEP’s team dedicated to preventing, detecting, and managing invasive aquatic species in Maine. The Program focuses on invasive aquatic plants and coordinates with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to address invasive aquatic animals. The successful candidate is expected to work respectfully and collaboratively with the three incumbent members of the Program and with outside contractors, lake residents and organizations. This position will share in overall program operations including field work to evaluate invasive aquatic plant populations, providing technical support to lake groups regarding prevention and early detection, and helping residents and lake associations assess and implement invasive aquatic plant management.
Apply by December 21, 2022
Funding Opportunities
Two of our critical grants management systems, CREEMS and ezFedGrants, are nearing the end of their lifecycle and require replacement. NIFA will chose a new grants management solution from these Federally managed technology providers.
This Grants Modernization Initiative is a key priority for NIFA, and our goal is to keep you informed and engaged. Ultimately, this initiative will transform how we do business so that it is more seamless for staff and customers, improves our ability to track and report outcomes, and helps achieve the agency mission more efficiently and effectively.?
NYS Specialty Crop Block Grant RFP
NYFVI is pleased to partner with New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) to manage the competitive grant program for New York State’s USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program application. Guided by the State’s Specialty Crop Advisory Group, the 2023 RFP focuses on a subset of the outcomes specified in the broader USDA SCBG RFP. Specifically, this RFP seeks work that will achieve the following outcomes:
- Improve Pest & Disease Control Processes
- Develop New Seed Varieties & Specialty Crops
- Expand Specialty Crop Research and Development
- Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops
Each outcome has measurable indicators established by the USDA SCBG program.
The RFP will be open on October 25th and Applications are due on December 11, 2022
Deadline extended to January 9, 2023.
USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The purpose of the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) program is to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by awarding grants to support research and extension that address key challenges of national, regional, and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of food and agriculture, including conventional and organic food production systems. Projects must address at least one of five focus areas:
- Research in plant breeding, genetics, genomics, and other methods to improve crop characteristics
- Efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases, including threats to specialty crop pollinators
- Efforts to improve production efficiency, handling and processing, productivity, and profitability over the long term (including specialty crop policy and marketing)
- New innovations and technology, including improved mechanization and technologies that delay or inhibit ripening
- Methods to prevent, detect, monitor, control, and respond to potential food safety hazards in the production efficiency, handling and processing of specialty crops
The RFA announcement related to this FY 2023 funding opportunity is posted. Please download RFA here. Deadline for applications is January 12, 2023
Veg Out - Managing Aquatic Vegetation in Canals
Design and build solutions for managing canal aquatic vegetation for a share of $345,000 in prizes
For more than 100 years, the Bureau of Reclamation has brought water to arid lands to support agriculture and economic development. Today, Reclamation’s 8,000 miles of canals deliver water across the western United States. These canals are negatively impacted by aquatic vegetation. Existing management methods have various drawbacks. The Veg Out Challenge aims to reduce the cost and labor of aquatic vegetation management in canals while minimizing undesirable impacts to water quality or downstream users. The challenge seeks to identify, develop, and test novel, sustainable, scalable solutions that can be used across a range of canal types. A total prize purse of $345,000 will be distributed across the three phases of concept, prototyping, and demonstration.
Submission deadline: January 11, 2023
Crop Protection and Pest Management Competitive Grants Program
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The FY 2023 Request for Applications (RFA) for the Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) under the Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) Competitive Grants Program is now available
The purpose of the Crop Protection and Pest Management program is to address high priority issues related to pests and their management using IPM approaches at the state, regional and national levels. The CPPM program supports projects that will ensure food security and respond effectively to other major societal pest management challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. The CPPM program addresses IPM challenges for emerging issues and existing priority pest concerns that can be addressed more effectively with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally sound IPM practices and strategies needed to maintain agricultural productivity and healthy communities. ?
Current closing date: February 13, 2022
Methyl Bromide Transition Program
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The Methyl Bromide Transition Program (MBT) addresses the immediate needs and the costs of transition that have resulted from the phase-out of the pesticide methyl bromide. Methyl bromide has been a pest and disease control tactic critical to pest management systems for decades for soilborne and postharvest pests. The program focuses on integrated commercial-scale research on methyl bromide alternatives and associated extension activity that will foster the adoption of these solutions. Projects should cover a broad range of new methodologies, technologies, systems, and strategies for controlling economically important pests for which methyl bromide has been the only effective pest control option. Research projects must address commodities with critical issues and include a focused economic analysis of the cost of implementing the transition on a commercial scale.
The RFA announcement and technical assistance webinar related to this FY 2023 funding opportunity is scheduled. Please access the details about the webinar, such as the zoom link, date, time, etc., through the Webinar heading below. The recording/supporting documents will also be accessible through Webinar heading after the event.
Technical Assistance Webinar - Tuesday, December 20, 2022 - 2:00pm EST
Catskill Science Collaborative
Funded by New York State through Environmental Protection Funds, and with support from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and private donors, the Catskill Science Collaborative (CSC) is one way we help implement the goals of the Catskill Environmental Research and Monitoring (CERM) group. The CSC is coordinated by Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.
Purpose of RFP: The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals for Catskill Research
Fellowships. The Fellowships are student research projects mentored by a professor, or other
scientist, that address both the research needs of natural resource managers in the Catskill region
and provide a positive research experience to the Fellow.
Applications are due by Friday, January 6, 2023.
The Crew Assistance Program offers valuable opportunities for partners who can work alongside WNY PRISM’s experienced staff to learn invasive species identification, how to use various survey and monitoring tools, to gain experience with removal methods, strategies and equipment, and learn about prioritization and adaptive management strategies that can be used to increase the effectiveness of invasive species management. In some cases, we’re simply able to provide a few extra hands to help move partner projects to a stage that is easier for them to handle moving forward.
Eligibility and Restrictions:
Eligible entities include non-profit organizations, local governments, agencies, associations and
institutions located within, or serving areas within, the 8 counties of WNY PRISM (Allegany, Cattaraugus,
Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming Counties).
All proposals must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, January 27, 2023, to be
considered for the Crew Assistance Program in 2023.