Source: USDA, 5/28/14
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced today the availability of more than $16 million in funding to addresses critical integrated pest management (IPM) needs at the state, regional and national level to ensure food security and effectively respond to other major societal challenges. The funding is part of NIFA’s newly created Crop Protection and Pest Management Program (CPPM).

“The security, safety and quality of our food supply is dependent on our ability to protect our crops and livestock from pests and diseases,” said Sonny Ramaswamy, NIFA director. “NIFA’s new Crop Protection and Pest Management program takes a comprehensive approach to integrated pest management, allowing us to more effectively develop and implement improved management practices through a coordinated national network that allows us to reduce the health risks and environmental impacts of food production.” 

The CPPM program seeks to increase food security and respond effectively to other major societal challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, environmentally sound and will help protect human health. The program will develop new technologies needed to address pest management challenges caused by new invasive pests and diseases as well as those already well-established in the United States. As a result, agricultural production will be more profitable and will use practices that reduce potential impacts on human health and the environment.  

In fiscal year 2014, the CPPM program will competitively award funding to colleges and universities in three program areas: applied research and development, Extension implementation and regional coordination. Applications for funding are due June 19, 2014.

The three program areas of the CPPM program are aligned with the goals identified in the National IPM Roadmap for Integrated Pest Management. The roadmap identifies strategic directions for IPM research and implementation efforts for all pests, in all settings, throughout the nation. Successful applicants for CPPM funding will propose to develop knowledge and information needed for the adoption of IPM methods that 1) result in improved economic and environmental benefits when IPM practices are adopted; 2) reduce potential human health risks from pests and diseases, and the practices used to manage them; and 3) minimize adverse environmental impacts from pests and diseases, and the practices used to manage them. IPM practices in agriculture promote a healthy crop environment while conserving organisms that are beneficial to those agricultural systems. Funded projects may also develop reduced-risk IPM methods for pest-free homes, schools, parks and recreational areas. The CPPM program directly supports USDA goals to develop and extend effective, affordable, and environmentally-sound IPM strategies to reduce food production losses caused by diseases, weeds and pests.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (H.R. 3547), provided NIFA with funding for the CPPM program and eliminated funding for five previous NIFA IPM programs. Funding previously provided for the Regional Pest Management Centers, Regional IPM Research (RIPM), Pest Management Alternatives (PMAP), Extension IPM Coordination and Support Program (EIPM-CS) and the Expert IPM Decision Support System (EIPMDSS) were consolidated into the CPPM program.

NIFA hosted a webinar on the CPPM program RFA for interested applicants on Thursday, May 22, 2014, which was recorded and is available on the NIFA website.  Additional information, including information from the presentation and question-and-answers can be found here:  www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/cppm/cppm_info.html

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. More information is available at: www.nifa.usda.gov.