Inspection Services Blog

Category Archives: FREP Grant Program


CDFA ANNOUNCES VACANCIES ON FERTILIZER INSPECTION ADVISORY BOARD’S TECHNICAL ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting applications to fill two vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee.  The subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning efficient use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water. Members assist in setting research priorities for the annual Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) Grant …


Research Update: Irrigation and Nitrogen Best Management Practices for Low Desert Lettuce

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). Project Title: Developing Tools and Information on Irrigation and Nitrogen Best Management Practices in California’s Low Desert Lettuce Production Systems Project Lead: Ali Montazar, Irrigation and Water Management Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE), Desert …


CDFA Awards $1.15M for Research and Education Projects to Improve Nutrient and Irrigation Management

CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) has announced $1.15 million in awards to five new projects. The projects will advance California growers’ understanding and implementation of improved nutrient and irrigation management practices. This funding is a result of the 2024 competitive FREP Grant Program. Summary of Funded Projects: Monitoring and Assessing Variability of Nutrient Status in Almond Orchards with Hyperspectral …


Research Update: Estimating Nitrogen Removal from the Harvested Portion of Central Coast Crops

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: Nitrogen Content of the Harvested Portion of Specialty Crops to Estimate Crop Nitrogen Removal and Improve Nitrogen Management in Crops Project Leaders: Richard Smith, University of California Cooperative …


2024 FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference Recap

The 32nd Annual Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health (WPH) Nutrient Management Conference was held in Seaside, CA, on October 29-30, 2024. This year’s conference brought together attendees from academia, crop consultants, growers, industry representatives, researchers, and government personnel. This blog provides a quick recap of the event. For more detailed information, including summaries from presented …


CDFA Accepting Pre-Proposals for 2025 Fertilizer Research and Education Program Grant Cycle

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) announces pre-proposals are now being accepted for the 2025 FREP Grant Program cycle. FREP’s competitive grant program funds proposals that advance fertilization and irrigation practices and minimize environmental impacts of fertilizing materials. The 2025 request for pre-proposals (RFP) includes several initiatives put forth by the department …