AgroPages-USDA’s NIFA announces $11 million to support specialty crop pest management-Agricultural news

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced $11 million in available funding through the Minor Crop Pest Management Program (also known as Interregional Research Project or IR-4).

"The IR-4 funding allows NIFA to aid and ensure that new, robust crop protection products are created," said NIFA Director Sonny Ramaswamy. "These investments will lead to improved practices and profits for specialty crop producers."

The IR-4 program supports the creation of safe, effective, and economical pest management solutions for specialty crops and minor agricultural uses on other crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

The deadline for applications is May 1, 2017.

Past projects include a University of Wisconsin project to combat the soybean cyst nematode, one of the most damaging soybean crop pests in the United States. A Rutgers University project supports the first ornamental research center in the Northeastern United States.