Minor Use Pesticide Fund Grant Program

The Minor Use Pesticide Fund Grant Program is administered by the North Dakota Crop Protection Product Harmonization and Registration Board. This board was established to address challenges associated with the registration and availability of crop protection products, particularly for minor crops and uses within the state of North Dakota. The grant supports efforts to expand pesticide options available to producers by facilitating studies, investigations, and evaluations necessary to obtain or maintain pesticide registrations relevant to local agriculture. The fund exists to help overcome regulatory or market barriers that would otherwise limit access to cost-effective crop protection solutions. The grant is targeted specifically at research and evaluation efforts that support the registration of pesticides for minor uses. These projects may be executed by North Dakota State University or secured from other qualified researchers, laboratories, or contractors through formal contracts. Proposals may be submitted by individuals, companies, or organizations on behalf of a user community. However, pesticide manufacturers, dealers, and distributors are not eligible to apply. Entities eligible to conduct funded work include qualified universities, the USDA, or private laboratories and researchers with expertise in pesticide-related fields. Funding proposals are not limited by a specific dollar cap, but the Board retains full discretion to adjust awards based on merit and available resources. The scope of allowable activities under the grant includes scientific studies, field evaluations, and other data-generation efforts intended to meet federal pesticide registration standards. Specific uses include applications under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). These may include efforts to secure new registrations, amended uses, reregistrations, experimental use permits, or exemptions. Proposals may cover one or two years, with second-year funding contingent on available budget and project performance. Importantly, grant funds may not be used for indirect costs, overhead, or equipment. If equipment is needed, other funds must be used for that purpose. Applicants must submit comprehensive proposals, which include a cover sheet, a two-page executive summary, and a detailed narrative. Required narrative elements span project goals, methodology, past research context, cost-benefit analysis, participating organizations, researcher qualifications, relevant literature reviews, environmental and human health impacts, and more. Supporting documentation from pesticide registrants and, where applicable, EPA tolerance verification must be included. Budget breakdowns and funding source disclosures are mandatory, as are letters of commitment for any matching funds cited. Matching contributions may be in cash, in-kind services, or both. The Board prioritizes projects that are high in agricultural, environmental, and public health importance and that demonstrate strong potential for achieving registration or label expansion. Evaluation criteria include the scientific and commercial merits of the project, the experience and capability of the research team, and the adequacy of the budget. Preference is given to proposals that include cost-sharing commitments and demonstrate collaborative support from other stakeholders. Compliance with good laboratory practices (GLP) under 40 CFR Part 160 is required for any project generating pesticide residue data. Applications may be submitted at any time, and the Board convenes meetings to review proposals around two standard deadlines: March 1 and November 1. Twelve physical copies of the complete proposal must be delivered or mailed, and one electronic copy submitted via email. Completed applications must be sent to the North Dakota Crop Protection Product Harmonization and Registration Board, care of Lilliann Johnston at the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. For additional information, applicants may contact 701-328-2231 or email [email protected].

Priority given to proposals demonstrating clear economic/environmental benefit and strong matching funds.