The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) invites pre-proposals for projects beginning January 2026. FREP provides funding for projects that advance the responsible use of fertilizers and support sustainable nutrient and irrigation management practices in California agriculture. The program offers two main funding categories: outreach, education, and demonstration projects, capped at $75,000 per year, and research and demonstration projects, capped at $100,000 per year. Projects may span up to three years, with requests exceeding these parameters considered on a case-by-case basis. FREP encourages project proposals that leverage additional funding sources and emphasizes benefits to socially disadvantaged farmers and farm workers.
The priority areas for outreach and education include increasing the adoption of efficient nutrient and irrigation management practices, offering technical training for field staff, developing non-English language training materials, and promoting best practices through demonstration projects. Research priorities include investigating innovative nutrient and irrigation management techniques, addressing barriers to the adoption of sustainable practices, and studying nutrient loss pathways and mitigation strategies to reduce environmental impact.
Pre-proposals are due by December 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. PST and must follow the provided pre-proposal template. Each submission should be formatted in 12 pt. Arial font, single-spaced with double spacing between paragraphs, and sent via email to FREP@cdfa.ca.gov. FREP will confirm receipt of submissions within two business days. Late, incomplete, or improperly formatted submissions will be disqualified.
The evaluation process involves the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC), which reviews proposals based on criteria such as alignment with FREP priorities, scientific rigor, feasibility, and potential impact. Selected pre-proposals will be invited to submit full proposals by April 14, 2025, with final award announcements expected by July 2025.
For additional guidance or questions, applicants may contact FREP staff but should note that specific proposal development advice is not provided to ensure a fair review process. Examples of successful pre-proposals are available on the FREP Grant Program website for reference.
