Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program - Methyl Bromide Transition | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program - Methyl Bromide Transition?

It is a discretionary competitive grant opportunity from USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) titled "Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program - Methyl Bromide Transition" (USDA NIFA ICGP 005778). It funds applied work that helps U.S. agriculture adjust to the scheduled phase-out of methyl bromide by moving viable replacements toward real-world use.

Why does this program exist?

Methyl bromide was widely relied on for decades as a highly effective fumigant for managing difficult soilborne and postharvest pests and diseases. Its phase-out created immediate practical and financial challenges for growers and related industries. This program is intended to directly address those transition pressures by supporting projects that develop and speed the adoption of workable alternatives.

Which agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

Is this a competitive grant?

Yes. It is described as an integrated research, education, and extension competitive grants program.

What type of projects is the program looking to fund?

The program emphasizes integrated, commercial-scale research paired with extension activities. Proposals are expected to test methyl bromide alternatives under conditions that closely match actual production and handling environments and include outreach and technology-transfer efforts that speed adoption in the field.

Does the program prioritize real-world implementation over laboratory studies?

Yes. The focus is on practical solutions that can be adopted at scale rather than isolated lab-only findings, with research designed to closely match commercial production and handling conditions.

What does "integrated" mean in the context of this program?

Based on the description, "integrated" refers to combining research and extension (and education, as part of the program framing) and also reflects comprehensive pest management thinking. The program encourages integrated solutions that can fit into modern pest management systems, including combinations of chemical and non-chemical tactics, new application methods, improved production practices, and other innovative strategies.

What kinds of pest problems can projects address?

Projects are expected to explore a broad range of methodologies, technologies, systems, and strategies for controlling economically important pests where methyl bromide had been the only consistently effective option. This includes approaches for soilborne pest complexes and postharvest pest issues.

Is the program limited to proposing a single substitute for methyl bromide?

No. The opportunity explicitly encourages comprehensive pest management thinking rather than a single substitute product, supporting integrated solutions that replace methyl bromide's role without creating unacceptable tradeoffs for growers.

What is meant by "commercial-scale research" in this opportunity?

The opportunity indicates that research should be conducted under conditions that closely match real production and handling environments, with the goal of generating results that can be implemented by growers, shippers, and other stakeholders.

What extension or outreach components are expected?

Proposals are expected to include a strong outreach and technology-transfer component so that results can be implemented in the field. The intent is to speed adoption by growers, shippers, and other stakeholders.

Are there commodity focus requirements?

Yes. A key requirement is that research targets commodities with critical issues, meaning crops or use-cases where the loss of methyl bromide has created major, well-documented pest management gaps or high transition costs.

Is an economic analysis required?

Yes. Alongside technical performance, proposals must include a focused economic analysis examining what it will realistically cost to implement the transition on a commercial scale. This component is intended to quantify adoption barriers and help determine feasibility for industry, not only biological effectiveness.

What is the funding activity category?

The opportunity falls under the Agriculture funding activity category.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 10.303.

What is the funding instrument?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $500,000.

When was the opportunity posted and created?

The opportunity was posted on April 4, 2016, and it was created on April 4, 2016.

What was the application deadline?

The application closing date was May 31, 2016. No extension is shown in the provided information.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with additional clarification referenced in the full eligibility text. Applicants are expected to consult the complete notice for specific organizational categories and requirements.

What is the overall goal of the program?

The program is designed to accelerate the shift away from methyl bromide by funding applied, integrated research and extension efforts that deliver workable pest control alternatives for high-need commodities, while also providing clear economic insight into the real costs and implications of adopting those alternatives at commercial scale.