Inspection Services Blog

Author Archives: Brooke Elliott

CDFA Announces Vacancies on Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board Technical Advisory Subcommittee

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing four vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board (FIAB) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). This subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning plant nutrition and environmental effects related to fertilizing materials use. It reviews all research and education proposals for the annual Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) grant …


Now Accepting Proposals for 2020 Fertilizer Research and Education Program Grants

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is now accepting proposals for the 2020 grant cycle. FREP’s competitive grant program funds research and education to advance the efficient use of fertilizer materials and reduce environmental impacts associated with them. Two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are being released for 2020: The Regular RFP includes …


Registration Now Open for 27th FREP/WPHA Nutrient Management Conference

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and the Western Plant Health Association (WPHA) will host their 27th annual fertilizer research conference at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Fresno, California, on October 28-30. The event includes a farm tour on October 28. This conference brings together industry professionals and academic researchers to learn …


2019 FREP/WPHA Conference: Save the Date and Call for Posters

Every fall, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and the Western Plant Health Association (WPHA) host a nutrient management conference. The agenda focuses on the latest FREP-funded research results and practical applications of fertilizing materials for agricultural production in the state of California. On October 28-30, 2019, the FREP/WPHA Conference will be held …


Nitrate Quick Test

The nitrate quick test (NQT) is a cost-effective tool that can be used in nutrient management planning to determine the residual soil nitrate concentration. The results from the test can be used to improve fertilizer management and assist growers in accurately meeting crop needs. Here is an outline of the steps for preparing soil samples, conducting the test and calculating …


Vacancies on FREP’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing three vacancies on the Fertilizer Research and Education Program’s (FREP) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). The TASC reviews and recommends research and education proposals for funding and implementation to the department’s Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board. Applicants must demonstrate technical, applied, and scientific expertise in the fields of agronomy, soil science, plant physiology, …


FREP Appearances at Upcoming Events in 2019

The California Department of Food & Agriculture’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) will have a booth or table at events in the upcoming months. Stop by to say ‘hello’ and pick up educational materials about nutrient and irrigation management. Plant and Soil Conference What: The California chapter of the American Society of Agronomy hosts this annual conference to promote …


FREP Awards Projects to Improve Agricultural Fertilizer Management and Water Quality

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is pleased to announce the award of over $1.1 million in grant funds to agricultural organizations and universities. These grants will fund six projects that will improve the efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of fertilizer use in California agriculture and will advance farmers’ understanding and …


4R Nutrient Stewardship Research Fund Request for Pre-Proposals

Here is an announcement from the International Plant Health Institute (IPNI) that may be of interest to CDFA FREP stakeholders. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Research Fund has released a request for pre-proposals to conduct field research and demonstration projects that evaluate and promote the economic, social, and environmental outcomes of 4R Nutrient Stewardship. 4R Nutrient Stewardship is an evidence-based approach …


Registration Now Open for the FREP/WPHA Conference on October 22-24, 2018

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and the Western Plant Health Association (WPHA) will host the 26th annual nutrient management conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Seaside, California, on October 23-24. The event also includes a pre-conference farm tour on October 22. This conference brings together industry professionals and academic researchers …