FREP Website Resources
Research Update: Nitrogen Management for Industrial Hemp Cultivars
Note: This is part of a Research Update series that highlights projects funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) . Project Title: Nitrogen Response of Industrial Hemp Cultivars Grown for CBD, Essential Oils Project Lead: Robert B. Hutmacher, UC Davis Project Status: Complete (Three-year project) Project location: Davis and Five Points, CA Overview: This FREP-funded project …
CDFA Announces Vacancies on Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is now accepting applications to fill four vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). TASC serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning efficient use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water. TASC members advise on Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) activities. For FREP’s annual grant program, members …
CDFA Accepting Pre-Proposals for the 2026 Fertilizer Research and Education Program Grant Cycle
The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is now accepting pre-proposals for the 2026 grant cycle. FREP’s competitive grant program funds proposals that advance efficient nutrient and irrigation management practices that minimize environmental impacts through research, demonstration, education and training. This year’s priorities include: outreach, education, and demonstration projects focused on increasing the adoption of …
CDFA Awards $1.69M for Research, Outreach and Education Projects to Improve Irrigation and Nutrient Management Practices
SACRAMENTO, February 19, 2026 – CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) announces $1.69 million in grant funding for six projects to advance California growers’ understanding and implementation of improved nitrogen and irrigation management practices. Benefits of the awarded projects include increased water quality, reducing nitrate leaching into groundwater, optimizing nitrogen management in organic cropping systems and more. This funding is being …
Research Update: Online Training Provides California Certified Crop Advisors with Nitrogen Management Expertise
Note: This is part of a Research Update series that highlights projects funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) annual grant program. Project Title: Next Generation N Management Training for Certified Crop Advisors Project Leaders: Sat Darshan Khalsa, Professional Researcher, UC Davis; Erik Porse, Director, California Institute for Water Resources; Marina Vergara, …
CDFA Welcomes New FIAB TASC Members
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s (FIAB) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC) welcomes two new members and one reappointment for 2026. The subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning efficient use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water for CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP). TASC members assist in setting project priorities …