Biologically Integrated Farming Systems

Type: active

Purpose: The goal of the revitalized Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) grant program isto provide outreach of innovative, biologically integrated plant-based farming systems thatreduce chemical pesticide inputs.This includes efforts to:1) Enhance knowledge, research, and technical assistance2) Align pest control advisors (PCAs) with SPM3) Reduce economic risk for growers transitioning to SPM

Agency/Department Name: CA Department of Food and Agriculture

Application Close Date: 6/30/26 12:00

Estimated Available Funds: $2,000,000

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is seeking stakeholder input to help inform the upcoming Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) solicitation. Your feedback will help them better understand industry priorities, emerging challenges, and opportunities to support California’s specialty crop sector through future grant funding.

Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/g/T304jL0wp2

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is hosting a virtual workshop to share draft findings from the state’s Energy Resource and Reliability Outlook. This session includes analysis relevant to land-based energy systems, forest and biomass resources, agricultural energy use, and rural grid reliability. All key topics for LEAF partners working at the intersection of land, energy, agriculture, and forestry.

This is a useful touchpoint for tracking how statewide planning is aligning with forest health, biomass utilization, and rural resilience efforts.

Event details: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Join the workshop: https://energy.zoom.us/j/84648488019

Meeting ID: 846 4848 8019 Passcode: 875795

Full notice and agenda

Thank you all for contributing to robust attendance at our LEAF Workgroup meeting that took place yesterday. We were glad to hear your updates, concerns, and feedback about the tools we have developed. We continue to welcome that feedback as you familiarize yourself with the tools, so please don't hesitate to reach out to myself (skaufman@mljt.org) and Rose (rday@mljt.org) with any questions or comments.

For those who were unable to attend, you can click here to the Zoom recording. You will need to use the following passcode to access the recording: y$GpHqa7. You can also review the meeting transcript and chat log via this link.

A few highlights from the discussion:

• Partners provided valuable feedback on the Central Sierra Regional Partnership Funding Coordination Matrix, including recommendations to incorporate additional datasets, project mapping layers, funding programs, and implementation resources. Some feedback was captured in our live poll results below:

Do you commercially grow stone fruit in El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, or Tuolumne counties? We are looking for growers to participate in an upcoming Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) project on stone fruit production, led by UCCE and Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF).  

We have a webinar on June 16^th to discuss the project. Participating growers will receive financial support to implement and evaluate alternative pest management practices on their farms.

Visit: https://caff.org/bios-in-stone-fruit/

Questions? Contact mfpatton@ucanr.edu  

Amador College Connect and RCRC are leading a regional effort to build an Industrial Arts Training Program Framework aligned with workforce needs across the Sierras. To support this work, they are gathering input from employers and partners on skill gaps, training priorities, and hiring challenges.

Take the survey: https://forms.gle/LhwTRFzASevYQxxDA Thank you for helping inform this work!

We still have some space in our summer forestry and natural resources courses at Baker Station!

tation this summer!

💵 Valley Vision: Biomass Financing Webinar Series

What it is: A free, three-part virtual series designed for local governments, nonprofits, and companies working with woody biomass. You'll build actionable business models, prepare finance readiness checklists, and connect directly with financial partners.

• Part 1: Friday, May 29, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (Zoom)

• Direct Registration Link: Register for Part 1 via the Valley Vision Zoom Webinar Signup.

• Event Landing Page: Learn more about the three-part curriculum at the Valley Vision Biomass Financing Event Page

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) is accepting applications for the FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. This funding supports fire departments, tribal governments, and nonaffiliated EMS organizations with equipment, PPE, training, wellness programs, facility improvements, vehicles, and regional projects. The application period is open from May 19, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. ET through June 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET, with funding decisions anticipated by September 30, 2026. This is a strong opportunity to support local fire agencies and first responder capacity.