Inspection Services Blog

Category Archives: FREP Grant Program


New Pistachio, Processing Tomato, and Almond Videos Summarize Latest 4R Research and Provide Grower Continuing Education Units

As part of its Crop Nutrient Minute video series, the Coalition for Urban Rural Environmental Stewardship (CURES) has recently released videos in English and Spanish for pistachio, processing tomato, and almond production that provide the latest crop-specific information on efficient nitrogen fertilizer applications and irrigation practices that minimize movement of nitrate to groundwater. This video series was funded by a …


Research Update: Nitrogen and Irrigation Managements for Onions

Note: This is part of a Research Update series that highlights projects funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) annual grant program. Project Title: Assessing Drip Irrigation and Nitrogen Management of Fresh Onions Produced in California Low Desert Project Leader: Jairo Diaz, Director, University of California – Desert Research and Extension Center Project Status: Complete Project …


Research Update: Adoption of CropManage to Optimize Nitrogen and Irrigation Applications

Note: This is part of a Research Update series that highlights projects funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) annual grant program. Project Title: Promoting the adoption of CropManage to optimize nitrogen and irrigation use through technical assistance with data loggers and cellular modems for Spanish-speaking growers in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties Project …


Nitrogen Demand and Seasonal Uptake Patterns for California Cherries

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: Development of Nutrient Budget and Nutrient Demand Model for Nitrogen Management in Cherry Project Leader(s): Project Status: Completed 2023 Project Location: San Joaquin County Overview Often the last …


Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Tools for California Wheat Growers Increase Yield, Decrease Fertilizer Costs

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: Achieving Efficient Nitrogen Fertilizer Management in California Wheat Project Leader: Mark Lundy, Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist, University of California, Davis Project Status: Completed 2023 Project Locations: The project …


CDFA AWARDS $1.4 MILLION FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROJECTS TO IMPROVE IRRIGATION AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is announcing $1.4 million in grant funding for six projects to advance California growers’ understanding and implementation of improved nitrogen (N) and irrigation management practices. This funding is a result of the 2023 cycle of the competitive FREP Grant Program. Summary of Funded Projects:  Optimizing Potassium Fertilization Management …


New FIAB TASC Members 2023

The Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s (FIAB) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC) is welcoming two new members this year. The subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning efficient use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water. TASC members assist in setting project priorities for the Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) grant program, review and recommend research and outreach proposals …


CDFA AWARDS $650,000 FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROJECTS TO IMPROVE IRRIGATION AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is announcing $653,067 in grant funding for three projects to advance California growers’ understanding and implementation of improved nitrogen and irrigation management practices.This funding is a result of the 2022 cycle of the competitive FREP Grant Program. Summary of Funded Projects:  Developing Tools and Information on Irrigation …


CDFA Awards $4.14 Million for Research and Education to Improve Nutrient Management Practices

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is announcing $4.14 million in grant funding to agricultural organizations and universities. The funding includes $3 million for the University of California, Agricultural and Natural Resources (UCANR) to conduct targeted nitrogen and irrigation education and training in California’s Central Valley and Central Coast and $1.14 million for …


Registration, Call for Posters Open for 29th Annual FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference

Registration is now open for the 29th annual Nutrient Management Conference, hosted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health (WPH). This year’s FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference will be held at the Embassy Suites hotel in San Luis Obispo, CA, October 27-28 and includes a farm tour which will …