DPR Offers $1.4 Million to Reduce Pesticide Use, Risks

[EWerb at aol.com]

Subj:    News Release: DPR Offers $1.4 Million to Reduce Pesticide Use, Risks
Date:   Tuesday, July 25, 2000 10:33:29 AM
From:   newseditor at cdpr.ca.gov
To:     prslist at pestreg.cdpr.ca.gov

From:   newseditor at cdpr.ca.gov (News Editor)
Reply-to:   prslist-request at cdpr.ca.gov
To: prslist at pestreg.cdpr.ca.gov

California Department of Pesticide Regulation 
News Release
July 25, 2000 (00-16)

DPR Offers $1.4 Million to Reduce Pesticide Use, Risks 

SACRAMENTO -- Seeking the best ideas to cut pesticide use and reduce risks to 
people and the environment, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation 
(DPR) today announced applications are available for about $1.4 million in 
grants in the coming year.    
 
DPR priorities include finding alternatives to highly toxic pesticides, 
reducing worker exposure to pesticides, protecting surface and ground water 
quality, exploring alternatives to methyl bromide and other fumigants, and 
promoting integrated pest management (IPM) in public schools and other public 
buildings.  
 
DPR expects to award more than 30 grants during this fiscal year. The 
Department recently reorganized its grant programs to encourage step-by-step 
adoption of reduced-risk pest management on the farm and in urban areas. 
Grants fall into three main categories:   

(1) Pest Management Grants help non-profit organizations, private groups, 
university researchers, government entities, and others address pest 
management challenges on a local or regional scale. These grants will be 
awarded for demonstration and applied research projects.

Demonstration projects involve reduced-risk practices on private or public 
property (such as farms, nurseries, schools, and parks). Grant awards range 
up to $50,000 per year, with preference for projects that offer matching 
funds or in-kind services. Funding is available for approximately ten 
projects. Applied research projects will generate the data needed to develop 
future demonstration projects. Grant recipients qualify for up to $30,000 per 
year, and funding is available for about eight applied research projects. 
Pest Management Grant applications are due by October 6. 

(2) Pest Management Evaluations provide a bridge to DPR's next grant level, 
which typically involves a two-year process. In the first year, interested 
groups apply for DPR assistance to evaluate their existing pest management 
systems, with an emphasis on reduced-risk methods. Groups that qualify for 
evaluations may receive one-time DPR funding of up to $10,000, and funding is 
available for up to ten evaluations. (Evaluation applications are due by 
September 14.)

Recipients then work with DPR staff to complete their evaluations, which are 
a prerequisite for Pest Management Alliance proposals in the second year. 

 (3) Pest Management Alliances are broad-based, public-private partnerships 
that address major pest management issues. Applicants who successfully 
complete evaluations and meet other DPR criteria may apply for Alliance 
grants of up to $100,000 per year. At a minimum, applicants must match their 
DPR grants dollar-for-dollar. Funding is available for approximately eight to 
ten projects. Alliance applications are due by November 1.  

More detailed information on each grant option is included in the request for 
proposals (RFP). Instructions for downloading complete RFP packages can be 
found online at <http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/dprgrants.htm>. Interested parties 
may also obtain an RFP from Bob Elliott by phone (916) 324-4100, e-mail 
<belliott at cdpr.ca.gov> or fax (916) 324-4088.

Since 1995, DPR has awarded almost $5 million in grants to promote 
reduced-risk pest management practices.

One of six departments and boards within the California Environmental 
Protection Agency, DPR protects human health and the environment by 
regulating pesticide sales and use and fostering reduced-risk pest management.

Media contacts:
Veda Federighi,
Glenn Brank             
(916) 445-3974      
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