Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) Call for Proposals

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is accepting pre-proposals for projects that will begin in January 2027. The program aims to advance the environmentally safe and agronomically sound use and handling of fertilizing materials. Eligible applicants include businesses, individuals, nonprofits, public agencies, and tribal governments. Projects must focus on at least one of the priority areas listed and must be related to irrigation and nutrient management practices in California. • Grant funding of up to $75,000 per year is available for outreach, education, and training projects, and up to $100,000 per year for research and demonstration projects. • The maximum grant duration is three years, with the possibility of extension on a case-by-case basis. • Projects leveraging other sources of funding are strongly encouraged. • FREP does not support proprietary product development, testing, or promotions. • CDFA encourages projects that include demonstrable benefits for socially disadvantaged farmers and farm workers.