The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $1.8 million in available funding to research new, environmentally friendly pesticides and innovative tools and strategies to replace an older treatment, methyl bromide. Funding is made through NIFA’s Methyl Bromide Transition Program.
“These policy changes were based on sound science in the interest of public health,” said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. “The next step is more research to find practical, safe alternatives and educate stakeholders on best practices.”
The pesticide methyl bromide is being phased out worldwide under an international treaty to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting chemicals. Methyl bromide has been used for over 50 years for a range of pest management purposes from farming to storage, shipment and quarantine. The Methyl Bromide Transition (MBT) program helps to discover and implement practical and safer pest management alternatives. Projects may focus on integrated research and extension activities or extension-only projects that promote the adoption of new pest management practices.
Eligible applicants include colleges and universities, including Hispanic-serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACUs), and research foundations maintained by eligible colleges or universities.
The deadline for applications is April 25, 2017.
