Inspection Services Blog

Research Update: Phase 2 Assessment of Nitrogen Content to Improve Crop Management

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.   Read the first and second update on this project. Project Title: Assessment of Harvested and Sequestered Nitrogen Content to Improve Nitrogen Management in Crops, Phase 2 Project Leaders: …


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 …


Research Update: Water and Nitrogen Management for Vegetables in the Low Desert

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: Efficient Water and Nitrogen Management Practices for Mixed Leafy Baby Green Vegetables in the Desert Project Leaders: Charles A. Sanchez (The University of Arizona); Andrew N French (United States …


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 …


California Plant and Soil Conference Offered February 7-8 in Fresno

The 2023 California Plant and Soil Conference will be held February 7-8 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Fresno. The conference is organized by the California Chapter of the American Society of Agronomy (CA ASA), which launched the annual event in 1972. This year, the CA ASA board worked with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Support Unit …


2022 FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference Recap

The 30th Annual Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health (WPH) Nutrient Management Conference was held in Visalia, CA, October 26-27, 2022. The conference had over 160 attendees including 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 FREP projects, check …


CDFA Accepting Pre-proposals for 2023 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 2023 grant cycle. FREP’s competitive grant program funds proposals that advance fertilization and irrigation practices and minimize environmental impacts of fertilizing materials. The 2023 Request for Proposals (RFP) includes several initiatives put forth by the department to help effectively manage irrigation …


Registration and Call for Posters Open for 30th Annual FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference

Registration is now open for the 30th annual Nutrient Management Conference, hosted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health (WPH). This year’s conference will be held at the Wyndham Visalia, in Visalia, CA, October 26-27, 2022, and includes a tour of the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in …


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

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is announcing three vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s (FIAB) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). This subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning efficient use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water. TASC members assist in setting research priorities for the FREP Grant Program, …


Research Update: Nitrogen Management for Container Plant Production

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: A System Nitrogen Balance for Container Plant Production Project Leaders:  Lorence R. Oki and Bruno J.L. Pitton (University of California, Davis) Project Status: Complete Overview: This FREP-funded …