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US (CA): Strawberry project amongst recipients of $3M grant from California government

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has announced $3 million in funding for three projects under the Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) grant program. The BIFS program supports the development, demonstration, and adoption of effective and economically viable alternative management practices to address critical pest challenges across California agriculture.

Each four-year grant is a collaborative effort between growers, pest control advisors, commodity groups, scientists, and other stakeholders. This year's projects focus on a range of practices aimed at reducing reliance on pesticides, including the use of steam injection and disease-resistant varieties as an alternative to pre-plant soil fumigants; promoting ecosystem services by supporting natural enemies; and implementing pheromone mating disruption to provide areawide management of pest populations. These projects focus on area-wide management and community engagement.

Steam Injection and Alternatives to Soil Fumigation in Strawberries
Leads: Dr. Darryl Wong and Janet Broome, UC Santa Cruz; Steve Fennimore, Smart Steam Applications for Agriculture LLC; Peter Henry, USDA ARS; Mark Bolda, UCCE; Nicholas LeBlanc, USDA ARS; Oleg Daugovish, UCCE; Rachael Goodhue, UC Davis

Objective: To demonstrate non-chemical alternatives to pre-plant fumigants in strawberry fields, especially in areas near schools, daycare centers, and other sensitive sites.

Approach: The project will establish demonstration plots on the Central Coast to replace soil fumigation with steam injection, disease-resistant varieties, and other methods. Soil fumigants, used to control pathogens, nematodes, and weeds, are facing increased regulatory restrictions.

Key partners: California Strawberry Commission, local growers, the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner, California Certified Organic Farmers, and the Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture

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