IPM News and Events Roundup 10/10/2025
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center
If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at jlh472@cornell.edu. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived on our website.
This work is supported by The Northeastern IPM Center, project reward Grant #2022-70006-38004, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. government determination or policy.
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EPA Releases Reports as Part of Agency Efforts to Optimize Pesticide Registration Processes??
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking a major step to evaluate and optimize key pesticide registration functions by releasing two evaluations of EPA programs. The first report provides the results of a third-party audit focused on assessing the operational performance of the agency’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) and provides recommendations for improvement. The second report evaluates OPP’s training and education gaps to support implementation of the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA 5). The agency is sharing this information in an effort to help improve the registration process for pesticide registrants and other stakeholders.?This action supports Administrator Zeldin’s work to advance permitting reform by increasing efficiency and providing more regulatory certainty for companies that make pesticides and the businesses that use them to control pests and ensure our country’s food supply.??
Update on Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing an update on the status of the Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC).
While undergoing its biennial review required by law, the charter for PPDC has temporarily expired as the agency makes some minor adjustments to the charter. While EPA is planning to expeditiously recharter PPDC, consistent with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. § 1008(c)), the activities of PPDC and its workgroups will temporarily cease until rechartering is complete. As a result, EPA has cancelled the November 2025 full committee public PPDC meeting.
Amicarbazone; Pesticide Tolerances
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of amicarbazone (CASRN 129909-90-6) in or on sugarcane, cane; and sugarcane, molasses. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), UPL Delaware, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA requesting that EPA establish a maximum permissible level for residues of this pesticide in or on the identified commodities.
Research in the news
H5N1 influenza virus stability and transmission risk in raw milk and cheese (nature.com)
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses have recently spread to dairy cattle, with high levels of virus detected in milk from affected animals, raising concern about the risk posed by unpasteurized dairy products consumed by humans. Here we evaluated H5N1 virus persistence in raw-milk cheeses (n = 3 per condition) made with milk acidified to pH 6.6, 5.8 and 5.0 before cheese making and validated our findings in raw-milk cheeses (n = 4) inadvertently produced with naturally contaminated raw milk.
Pesticides detected in two urban areas have implications for local butterfly conservation (academic.oup.com)
Human-managed green spaces in urban landscapes have become important focal points for insect conservation, partly because of the desirable insect diversity that these areas support, and also because exposure to nature is important for human health and wellbeing. An important issue in insect conservation is the extent to which nonpest insects are impacted by pesticide applications, but this has been relatively less examined outside of agricultural landscapes. Here, we investigated green spaces, including parks and private yards, in two urban areas (Sacramento, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States), asking if larval host plants for butterflies in the two regions contained herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. We assayed 336 individual plants in 19 genera, including woody and herbaceous plants. Pesticide presence was ubiquitous: only 22 samples had no detectable levels of pesticides; the median number of compounds detected in the other 314 individual plants was three; and the maximum detected in any one plant was 18.
Non-dietary personal pesticide exposure using silicone wristbands across 10 European countries (sciencedirect.com)
Highlights
- Wristband analysis give insight into prevalent environmental pesticide mixtures.
- Organic farmers wristbands contained lower pesticide levels than other groups.
- Pet ownership explained biocide exposure found in wristbands.
- Banned pesticides are prominent and confirm persisting non-dietary occurrence.
- Wristbands from farmers and neighbors had higher concentrations than consumers.
News
No Rain, No Problem: Yellow Fever Mosquito Expands Footprint in Las Vegas (entomologytoday.org)
What happens in Vegas is supposed to stay there—but not when a mosquito capable of spreading a dangerous brew of diseases shows up and decides to put down roots there. The surprising discovery that Aedes aegypti, popularly known as the yellow fever mosquito, has found a home in the bone-dry Las Vegas metropolitan area has been spotlighted repeatedly by the news media since first detected there eight years ago.
Forged in the Field: Student Weed Contests Test and Train Future Scientists (growiwm.org)
The weed contests date back to 1980, when the Eli Lilly Research Farm in Albany, Georgia hosted four southern land grand universities in the first ever “Deep South Weed Meet.” The Southern Weed Science Society (SWSS) and North Central Weed Science Society (NCWSS) saw the student benefits in this contest and held their first competitions in 1981. Other regional societies quickly followed suit. Today’s contests closely resemble that first competition 45 years ago, down to the elite squads of three to four students brought in to represent their weed science departments.
Top 5 rodent exclusion tips (blogs.cornell.edu)
Dr. Matt Frye, Cornell IPM Rodent and Structural Pest Management Coordinator, provided a 20 minute presentation on how to keep them out. Learn how to get off the rodent control treadmill and make lasting changes to protect your school buildings from rodent damage, your kitchens from food degradation and contamination, and your students and fellow school staff from asthma triggers.
Ominous warning for humanity as birds suddenly adopt 'unsettling' behavior (dailymail.co.uk)
Birds throughout the US have adopted a disturbing habit that could have devastating implications for human society if it continues.
Researchers have found that birds are abandoning their usual migration patterns, with warmer temperatures in their winter habitats disrupting their annual flights
While delaying their yearly flight south may not sound like a major problem, a visiting scientist at Cornell University, Andrew Farnsworth, warned that it could lead to many bird species dying out and drastically altering nature.
Eavesdropping on Soybean Weevils: Scientists Detect Subtle Acoustic Signals (entomologytoday.org)
In a study published in July in the Journal of Economic Entomology, a research team led by Andrea Joyce, Ph.D., at the University of California, Merced’s Sierra Nevada Research Institute recorded both male and female soybean weevils as they aggregated on soybean leaves. Soybean weevils produced faint chirps in two distinct patterns. The first was a pattern of paired chirps, and the second was a series of chirps.
Pest Talks (growertalks.com)
Corteva's Announcement
Mealybug Survey
Mealybug Control
Broad Mite Control
Bridging Borders to Battle Invasive Species: Reflections on an International Fellowship in the U.S. (entomologytoday.org)
The European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) Jens-Georg Unger Plant Health Fellowship offers the potential for plant health professionals to gain international experience in another country or organisation through a secondment. I was awarded the fellowship to work on two simultaneous projects: first, learning about the detection, management, and eradication of the Asian longhorned beetle in Charleston; and, second, working with pest risk analysis experts at the National Science Foundation Center for Integrated Pest Management at North Carolina State University.
Pennsylvania's Invasive Plant List – How it Works (extension.psu.edu)
According to Pennsylvania law, a noxious weed is "a plant that is determined to be injurious to public health, crops, livestock, agricultural land, or other property." Most plants on the noxious weed list are recognized nuisances (for example, Canada thistle, poison hemlock, and stiltgrass). Some, such as Japanese barberry, Callery (Bradford) pear trees, privet, and burning bush were once popular landscape plants and still grow in many landscapes, but these plants have been found to be invasive. Their placement on the noxious weed list is part of a long-term plan to lessen their impact on the environment. When a plant is placed on the list, plant sellers have a grace period to stop selling the plant, but eventually, the propagation and sale of the banned plant in Pennsylvania becomes illegal.
Sustainable practices could cut food-related emissions in half (news.cornell.edu)
Food systems make up roughly 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions globally. But transforming them could cut these emissions by more than half, according to a report released Oct. 3 from a commission of global experts from more than 35 countries across six continents.
The Biota of North America Program - North American Vascular Flora (bonap.org)
Taxonomic Data Center
North American Plant Atlas
Customized Geographic Database
BONAP Botanical Garden
Homegrown National Park® (HNP) raises awareness and urgently inspires everyone to address the biodiversity crisis by adding native plants and removing invasive ones where we live, work, learn, pray, and play.
RESOURCES
Identify The Most Productive Plants
Bring our Keystone Guides to your local nursery to start planting today.
Find Native Plants & Services Near You
Use our Resource Directory for online and local nurseries, landscape designers, educational resources and more!
Announcements
Join the Call: Support Smarter, Safer Pest Management (ipminstitute.org)
The IPM Institute of North America has launched a national campaign calling for $100 million in annual federal funding for integrated pest management research and outreach.
They are inviting organizations nationwide to sign a letter to the U.S. Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Agriculture, urging a $100 million annual investment in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) research and implementation.
Why IPM Matters
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a science-based approach that helps farmers manage pests effectively while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. IPM protects human health, safeguards the environment, and supports farmer productivity and profitability.
- Diversify Control Options: IPM incorporates biological, cultural, and mechanical strategies along with chemical tools to improve long-term outcomes and mitigate risks.
- Enhance Sustainability: By integrating diverse pest management strategies, IPM promotes long-term ecological balance and resilience.
- Support Farmers: IPM provides growers with tools to manage pests effectively, leading to improved productivity and profitability.
- Protect Public Health and the Environment: Reduced pesticide use lessens exposure risks to humans and wildlife, contributing to healthier ecosystems.
Paul Smith’s College is now accepting applications for the Natural Resources Conservation Master’s degree program admitting students in January, May and August 2026. Graduate Certificate students can begin their studies in August or January of each year.
Develop an advanced skillset focused on balancing the essential health and stability of terrestrial ecosystems, water, and biodiversity with the rapidly increasing demands of human society.
The college is also launching a NEW hybrid Master’s of Professional Studies in Sustainable Tourism Management in August 2026! Adirondack residents enrolling in this program will be awarded a 15% scholarship to celebrate the first year of the program. Gain essential information and tools to address the rapidly expanding opportunities and sustainability challenges in international and domestic travel and tourism.
Regional IPM Centers Proposal Reviewer Sign-up
Every year, the four Regional IPM Centers run IPM proposal review panels. There is a need for reviewers with applied experience in IPM or related fields to serve on these panels. This is a great opportunity for an early career professional to learn how the review process works and for more experienced professionals to share their wisdom.
Review panels are typically virtual and meet in January. Reviewers typically serve on panels outside of their own region to avoid Conflicts of Interest. For example, reviewers volunteering from the Southern region may serve in the North Central Region. The review panels are typically a 3-4 hour virtual meeting and panelists are typically asked to review between 6-9 proposals.
If you are interested in being a reviewer on a Regional IPM panel, please fill out the attached form. If you have previously completed this form, you do not need to submit it again. If your expertise aligns with a panel’s needs, you may be contacted. A list of reviewers will be shared with all four regional centers.
Become a Northeast SARE Grant Reviewer
We invite YOU to review grant proposals with Northeast SARE!
Northeast SARE is anticipating the possibility of needing a high number of grant reviewers in the fall and winter of 2025-2026. To account for this, we are welcoming in new reviewers!
Northeast SARE compensates eligible reviewers at a rate of $52.93/hour and most review processes are a total commitment of 20-30 hours spread out over a month.
Our only requirements are: 1) experience with sustainable agriculture in the Northeast and 2) access to reliable internet.
While anyone meeting these requirements is encouraged to apply, we are especially seeking people with the following experience:
- Ability to review research methodology
- Social science
- Aquaculture
- Entomology/IPM
- Agricultural engineering
- Mycology/mushrooms
- Beekeeping
- Agroforestry
- Livestock and/or vegetable and/or fruit production
To apply please:
Review this document for more details and
Fill out the form here
Join Northeast SARE’s Administrative Council
Northeast SARE’s Administrative Council is a 23-member governance body that sets program policies for Northeast SARE, participates in the grant review process, and makes final award decisions for all grant programs. AC members include farmers, agency personnel, Extension, nonprofit staff, researchers, industry representatives and others from across the Northeast.
Currently, Northeast SARE is seeking to fill three open seats:
- A Beginning Farmer (profit/non-profit/cooperative) producing and distributing for local and regional markets.
- A Social Scientist knowledgeable about environmentally efficient agriculture and community development.
- An Agricultural geologist/Agrogeologist knowledgeable about one or more of the following fields: 1. soil formation/properties; 2. mineral applications; 3. land management; 4. water resources; and/or 5. environmental management.
For your nomination to move forward, submit a letter describing your interest and summarizing your relevant experience, plus a brief resume. Our process is that the Executive Committee of the AC will review your information and then send your nomination to the AC for a vote. New members will then join us at the summer meeting.
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Newly featured this issue
IPM strategies for reducing insect pest damage in Midwest blueberries
IPM programs in blueberry have been disrupted by the invasive spotted-wing drosophila over the past decade, requiring a significant increase in control inputs. To reduce economic and environmental costs of these programs, we have partnered with research colleagues and growers to develop new IPM tools to help growers address this pest. This presentation will review the potential for new cultural and biological controls based on research in Michigan blueberry plantings, and how they can be integrated into current production systems.
Date: October 15, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM in EST
Understanding the Soil Health Cycle: A Framework for Action
In this webinar, we’ll present a conceptual framework on the Soil Health Cycle, which explores the many interdependent and interconnected factors and actors involved in reaching true soil health. We’ll also highlight key research gaps and feedback loops that can help or hinder progress.
Speaker:
Bijesh Maharjan, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Mike McDonald, Producer and Board Member of Nebraska Soil Health Coalition
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM Central
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has substantial value in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and other NRCS conservation programs to address resource concerns for plant health, water, air and biodiversity resources. This webinar explains the basics of IPM that make it useful in resource conservation efforts. Using practical examples based on real world experiences, presenters describe how NRCS and conservation district staff, land grant scientists, Extension agents, and crop consultants can work together in supporting development and use of 595 pest management conservation systems.
October 23, 2025
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Previously featured
In-house Diagnostics for Disease Management/Red Blotch Detection in Grapevines
Host: UC IPM Program
This webinar will provide an introduction to grapevine red blotch virus including its ecology, physiological impacts, symptoms and management. It will discuss the use of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to detect the virus in grapevine petiole, cane and trunk tissue.
Date: November 12, 3 p.m. Pacific
National Land-Grant Impacts Database Training
Host: Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities
This training is for new and returning inputters to the National Impacts Database and their administrators. The session will cover the basics of the National Impacts Database, how submitted statements are used, and how to write effective impact statements. The webinar will be recorded and a copy will be sent to all registrants after the training.
Date: October 15, 11 a.m. Pacific
2025 Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council Conference
The Mid Atlantic Invasive Plant Council is hosting a conference in Richmond, Virginia on October 20 and 21 at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
The full agenda is finalized and registration is open. We've arranged a fantastic lineup of speakers from local to federal government and from practitioners and academia.
Information about lodging and registration is here: https://invasivesfree.org/maipc-conference/.
Registration is $150 for General Admission and $75 for Students.
CEU's for pesticide licensure (NJ, PA, DE, Md, DC, VA, and WV), and ISA and SAF credits have been applied for.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and are live on the registration page.
Please direct all questions to info@maipc.org with CONFERENCE in the subject line.
NOFA-NY’s - 44th Annual Winter Conference
NOFA-NY’s Winter Conference convenes hundreds of farmers, food system professionals, educators, advocates, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about advancing organic principles that create better food and farming systems. Please stay tuned for more.
Save the Date: January 9-10 at Purchase College
IPM Institute of North America’s Tick IPM Working Group, with support from the North Central IPM Center, is excited to announce that the sixth annual Tick Academy will be held virtually via Zoom on October 15 and 16, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CDT. The Tick Academy offers participants the opportunity to hear the latest research, explore new tools and strategies and connect with others working to stop the spread of ticks and tick-borne diseases.
The two-day virtual conference features eleven professionals representing a range of organizations and disciplines. Speakers will share new developments and research in the field of ticks, followed by interactive live Q&A sessions. This year’s event offers free registration for students along with a virtual student-poster presentation and an online sponsor trade show each day! For more information and to register, visit: https://ipminstitute.org/services/tick-academy
Please join UVM Ext NWCS and NECCC
on Wednesdays from October 15, 2025 to November 5, 2025, for a webinar series on cover crops, interseeding, and more. Each webinar will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern time. When you pre-register, you will receive a confirmation email that includes the Zoom link information for the webinar.
The dates, topics, and speakers include:
Oct. 15 - Cover crops and pest dynamics with John Tooker, Penn State
Oct. 22 - Cover crop interseeding and drone seeding with Jeff Sanders, University of Vermont, and Heidi Reed, Penn State
Oct. 29 - Cover crops and nutrient dynamics with Charlie White, Penn State
Nov. 5 - Cover crops and soil water dynamics with Daniela Carrijo, Penn State, and Cara Peterson, University of Maryland
Urban and Community Webinar Series
Host: UC IPM Program
This monthly webinar series focuses on pest identification, prevention and management around the home, garden and landscape. Dates and topics below, all begin at noon Pacific.
- October 16: Tree and Shrub Pests
- November 20: Autumnal Antagonists: Pests during Fall
New York State School Environmental Health Conference 2025
Join us for a full day of learning and networking as we address indoor air quality topics and concerns for schools in New York State. Whether you are school facilities staff, a teacher, administrator, or health professional, this conference is perfect for anyone passionate about school environmental health.
Get ready to engage with expert speakers and connect with others who share your commitment to student and staff well-being. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and resources to enhance the health and resilience of your school community. Learn about the different factors that influence indoor air quality, see how schools across the state have improved their indoor air, and so much more!
Thursday, November 6 · 7:45am - 4pm EST
Best Western Plus Kingston Hotel and Conference Center
503 Washington Avenue Kingston, NY 12401
The Cut Flower Program Work Team has a monthly webinar series with some IPM content. Information is at https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/work-teams/cut-flower-industry/events
- October 15: Planning Your Cut Flower Operation for Next Season
- November 19: Starting Cut Flowers
- December 17: Cut Flower Workshops and Events (Fresh and Dried)
Previous webinars can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@ccecutflower/videos
Northeast Greenhouse Conference and Expo
Save the Date
2025 Northeast Greenhouse Conference & Expo
November 12 & 13, 2025
Doubletree by Hilton Manchester Downtown Hotel and Expo Center
Save the Date!
New York State Agritourism Conference
November 10 and 11, 2025
Saratoga Springs, NY
2025 Webinar Series for Greenhouse, Nursery and Garden Center Professionals.
These monthly webinars address topics of plant health and greenhouse operations and award one New England pesticide applicator recertification credit each.
Monthly, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, $10 each.
Registration and more info: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2025/01/2025-webinar-series-greenhouse-nursery-garden-center-professionals
October 28 | How to train employees to water with Jonathan Ebba, UNH
November 25 | A biocontrol starter pack with Jonathan Ebba, UNH
December 16 | In-house root zone testing with Jonathan Ebba, UNH
What’s Bugging You First Friday is a monthly virtual series that explores timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. IPM is a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to not only reduce pest problems, but to also address the reasons why pests are there in the first place. Each month, our speakers will share practical information about how you can use IPM.
The 2025 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule is available on the program’s website, and you can register for multiple events using our registration form.
November 1: Understanding indoor cockroaches | Invasive tawney field cockroach
December 5: IPM for clothes moths and pantry moths
Newly featured this issue
IPM Shelter Coordinator, Bureau of Veterinary and Pest Control Services.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Division of Environmental Health works to prevent and control illness and injury related to environmental and occupational health risks through outreach, education, surveillance and enforcement.
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- Oversee Integrated Pest Management work in homeless shelters throughout the city.
- Organize and provide educational workshops to Educate homeless shelter staff on best practices in pest control.
- Liaise with the Department of Homeless Services and review inspection reports collected by the Shelter inspection team.
- Participate in the development of written reports summarizing work completed in the Homeless facilities areas.
- Coordinate follow-up in assigned homeless facilities with the Senior Exterminating team and with other City Agencies as needed.
- Supervise and conduct environmental investigations related to rodents and pests' infestations in Homeless facilities & any other applicable city areas for rat infestations or environmental issues conducive to rodent infestation.
IPM Department Manager / Horticulture Pest Management Lead
We are seeking a hands-on IPM Department Manager / Horticulture Pest Management Lead to direct our Integrated Pest Management program. This is a full-time, year-round leadership role where you will oversee chemical control programs, monitor plant health, and manage a talented IPM team.
Previously featured
East Stroudsburg University is hiring a Temporary Public Health Assistant
As the Temporary Public Health Assistant, you will need to think creatively and be comfortable supporting the educational outreach program for Lyme disease and tick prevention. You will be an active member of the Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute team and will work closely with the Director to identify or report tick species using geospatial analysis technology and communicating this to the ESU Campus Community. You will thrive in this role if you like combining your public health or biology background and clerical experience skills all while serving as the primary point of contact to assist customers for the department. To be successful in this role, you must be self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented.
Program Associate, part-time (24 hours/week)
The Cayuga Lake Watershed Network (the Network) seeks a Program Associate to
join our small but mighty team and support our mission of protecting Cayuga Lake and its
watershed. Founded in 1998, the Network advocates for the health of Cayuga Lake and its
watershed in a changing world by building a network of individuals, institutions, and
communities united in the protection of our region’s water resources. We do this through
community engagement, developing researched positions on issues of concern, and
collaborative watershed stewardship activities.
Highlights
-Pay: $25–$29.50/hour (total compensation, includes customizable benefits)
-Based at our Cayuga Nature Center office (some flexibility)
-Great fit for someone passionate about environmental stewardship, community, and collaboration
-Apply today! Open until filled
Postdoctoral Fellow in invasion ecology and biogeography
The New York Botanical Garden is hiring a postdoctoral fellow to work on an NSF-funded project led by Curator Evelyn Beaury. The project focuses on mapping the geography of U.S. plant trade as a driver of biological invasions, using a large dataset of historical and contemporary trade records (https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4106) to examine how plant introductions influence species distributions, invasion dynamics, and socioeconomic trade-offs. The research will investigate 1) how spatial and temporal patterns of trade over the past 200 years explains contemporary hotspots of plant invasion, 2) how introduction history informs our fundamental understanding of niche and range dynamics, and 3) how the socioeconomic and cultural benefits of plants in trade compare to the risk of new invasions. Funding includes all research expenses and participation at domestic and international conferences.
Cornell University, Entomology/CALS
The Department of Entomology at Cornell University is seeking applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position in the area of Field Crops Entomology. The successful candidate will develop an internationally recognized research and extension program focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of grain and forage crops, including corn (>1 million acres in New York State), alfalfa hay (500,000 acres), soybeans (350,000 acres), wheat (150,000 acres), other small grains, and hemp. We seek a highly collaborative scientist who will build trust and communicate effectively with field crop farmers and other stakeholders and will interact extensively with colleagues at Cornell to achieve its Land Grant mission. In this position, research will focus on novel practices that use biological, chemical, physical, and/or cultural control methods to manage important insect pests affecting field crop growers. Research should combine insights from field trials with other approaches, potentially ranging from lab-based analyses to modeling to landscape-scale observational studies, to devise pest management strategies that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Extension will focus on developing an impactful program that addresses the needs of industry stakeholders and promotes the adoption of sustainable practices that will reduce pest risks and improve the profitability and long-term sustainability of field crops in New York State. The candidate is expected to work closely with industry and state partners (i.e. NY Corn and Soybean Grower Association, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets) to understand and prioritize stakeholder needs.
Open Rank Senior (Asst., Associate, or Full Professor) Invasive Species Economist
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Science (COS) at Virginia Tech are inviting applications for a 9-month (academic year) research and teaching position at the (Senior) Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level in applied economics with a focus on invasive and other harmful species. This broadly encompasses any species that pose threats to terrestrial and / or aquatic ecosystems, impact markets, economic decision-making and outcomes. The academic home for this position will be either the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (in CALS), or the Department of Economics (in COS). The position also carries expectations for funding summer activities through external grants, teaching, or other mechanisms. The successful candidate will have proficiency in theoretical, analytical, and quantitative tools and methods to tackle complex problems as part of a campus-wide invasive species cluster hire. This position requires occasional travel to attend conferences and meetings.
Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences
University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month tenure-track Extension Educator in the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) program. FCS program promotes healthy and economically prosperous Maryland residents at every stage of life through education, research, and outreach programs. The Extension Educator will design, teach, implement, and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs using research-based information for youth and adult audiences. FCS Programs will focus on improving the health and economic prosperity of residents and communities in Maryland. Specifically, this position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to financial wellness, public housing affordability and eviction prevention and other areas of FCS. The FCS program includes consumer financial education, financial wellness, health literacy, mental health, and other relevant topics. This position will also create and facilitate community partnerships with local and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, school systems, businesses, and others that support extension programs and policy, as well as systems and environmental approaches. The position will conduct applied research and publish results that support the educational program. In carrying out these duties, the educator is responsible to the FCS Program Leader for programmatic leadership. For administrative matters, the individual is responsible to their respective Area or County Extension Director. The Extension Educator will be a faculty member on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a defined timeframe.
Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences
University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month tenure-track Extension Educator in the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) program. The FCS program promotes healthy and economically prosperous Maryland residents at every stage of life through education, research, and outreach programs. The Extension Educator will design, teach, implement, and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs using research-based information for youth and adult audiences. FCS Programs will focus on improving the health and economic prosperity of residents and communities in Maryland. Specifically, this position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to nutrition education, chronic disease prevention and management, and other areas of FCS. The FCS program includes physical activity, healthy food preparation, consumer food safety and preservation, financial wellness, health literacy, mental health, and other relevant topics. This position will also create and facilitate community partnerships with local and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, school systems, healthcare providers, businesses, and other entities that support extension programs and policies, as well as systems and environmental approaches. The position will conduct applied research and publish results that support the educational program. In carrying out these duties, the educator is responsible to the FCS Program Leader for programmatic leadership. For administrative matters, the individual is responsible to their respective Area or County Extension Director. The Extension Educator will be a faculty member on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a defined timeframe.
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
University of Maryland Extension (UME) is seeking an Extension Educator responsible for organizing, developing, implementing and evaluating educational programs for youth, families and communities. The Educator would work with volunteers and youth development agencies to provide experiential learning opportunities for youth, leading to the development of life skills for youth. The educator is also responsible for developing an active, ongoing recruitment campaign to involve new volunteers and youth. As a tenure-track faculty member, the Educator will be responsible for providing leadership to develop focused youth development programs in cooperation with colleagues across the county and Lower Shore Maryland cluster. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a timeframe defined.
Funding Opportunities
Newly featured this issue
RFA is now open and closes on November 21, 2025 at 5pm Eastern.
Our annual competitive grants program, Southern IPM Grants, regionally address Global Food Security challenges including invasive species, endangered species, pest resistance, and impacts resulting from regulatory actions. We use a competitive process each year to solicit and select projects for funding.
RFA Planning
We recommend reading through the entire RFA before beginning your planning and to give yourself ample time to enter your information into our online grant management system. Any changes to the RFA from last year are in red font.
Notable changes for the 2026 RFA include a new application question about the disclosure of generative AI use, and now at least one letter of stakeholder support is required for all proposals.
Timeline
The RFA for the Southern IPM Grants open in September and close in November of each year, and are awarded on an annual basis (contingent on continued federal funding).
The review panel for Southern IPM Grants sits in mid-January to make decisions regarding the funding of proposals. Applicants will be notified in a timely manner so projects can begin on March 1.
Funding
Categories
- Seed Projects
- Capstone Projects
- Working Groups (New or Continuing)
Amounts
Targeted total funding for all Seed, Capstone, and Working Group projects is $250,000. Most projects are limited to $30,000 although in special circumstances IPM Working Group proposals may qualify for up to $40,000 per proposal.
Southern SARE 2026 Research and Education Grant Call for Pre-proposals Now Open
Southern SARE has released its Call for Pre-proposals for the 2026 Research & Education Grants program.
The release timeline for the 2026 Research & Education Grants Pre-proposal, along with the full proposal invite, has been adjusted. Please make a note of this one-time, modified schedule. Awarded grants under this funding cycle will not be allowed a no-cost extension.
Research & Education Grant pre-proposals focus on sustainable agriculture based on a systems approach to research, which aims to understand how the components of a system interact with each other and function as a whole. Proposed projects must focus on Southern SARE’s program objectives in developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing farming systems toward sustainability, as defined by Congress in the 1990 Farm Bill. Applicants specifically should be aware of this definition, as proposals will be reviewed with this legal definition in mind. The central purpose of research proposals is research-based projects with an educational/outreach component involved to share project results. SSARE is looking for systems research pre-proposals of around $400,000, though smaller proposals are also welcomed. Download to follow the guidelines for writing and submitting the grant application. The deadline for submitting pre-proposals is November 21, 2025 at 12 p.m. (noon) EST. If selected, applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal in February 2026. Grants will be announced in August of 2026. Projects begin September 1, 2026.
Invasive Species Grant Program
Approximately $4 million is now available through the fourth round of the Invasive Species Grant Program. This grant program, supported by New York’s Environmental Protection Fund, is designed to advance projects that target aquatic and terrestrial invasive species across the state. Municipalities, academic institutions, and not-for-profits may submit up to two bids for eligible projects in the following categories:
• Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention or Boat Decontamination;
• Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response and Control;
• Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasive Species Research; and
• Restoration and Resiliency of Sites Impacted by Invasive Species.
Grant awards range from a minimum of $11,000 to a maximum of $250,000, with a required 25 percent match. Project locations must be wholly within New York State. Priority will be given to projects that include opportunities for public participation, are on or close to public lands or waterbodies, and include strategies to help ensure long-term success. Multiple bids may not be for the same project or project location.
Bids are due by 3 p.m. on December 17, 2025.
Previously featured
Western IPM Center Grants Open
The 2026 Western IPM Center annual grant program uses a proposal management system that requires information for the proposal body be filled into form fields.
Exceptions are the Application Form, Conflict of Interest and Current and Pending Support forms that are supplied as Microsoft Word documents – project directors should have these filled out and uploaded as PDF files. Electronic signatures are acceptable on the Application Form. If these three forms are not completed in their entirety, the proposal will not receive a review. If you do not have access to the portal to submit your proposal electronically, please contact Matt Baur for assistance (530-750-1271).
Grants available in this RFA include Project Initiation, Work Groups, and Outreach and Implementation. The Planning Documents project type has been moved to a separate RFA that is open all year long. Please see westernipm.org or the newsletter for details.
Proposals are due by 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Friday, December 5, 2025.
For electronic applications, applicants must register at https://grants.ipmcenters.org
The total amount available this year is approximately $320,000. The maximum award for each project is $40,000. Funding of new projects is contingent on continued funding from U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
If you encounter any problems or have questions please contact Western IPM Center
Grant Panel Manager Jill Schroeder at jischroe1@gmail.com.
Key Dates
October 1: RFA released
November 6: RFA Webinar (2 p.m. Pacific Standard Time)
December 5: Completed application due by 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
Maine DACF Opens Applications for $3.5 Million in PFAS Research Grants
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced today that the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination (PFAS Fund) is accepting research proposals for $3.5 million in Major Grants and Targeted Grants for the study of PFAS in agriculture.
This is the second round of research grant funding offered by the PFAS Fund to support research to help Maine farmers determine their best options for maintaining and enhancing viability despite the presence of PFAS on their property.
Three million has been set aside for Major Grants that will fund multiple projects valued between $100,000 and $500,000 over two years. The priority research topics are:
- PFAS in Agricultural Settings: Water, Soil, and Plant Studies
- PFAS in Agricultural Settings: Animals and Animal Product Studies
- Understanding and Managing PFAS in On-Farm Agricultural Settings and Products?
Another $500,000 has been allocated for Targeted Grants that will fund projects valued up to $100,000 over 18 months. Targeted Grant proposals should focus on research questions specified within the Request for Applications (RFA). The research questions address topics such as management of waste products (e.g., manure) on a farm, safe sources of food for hogs, effective communication strategies, and the extent of PFAS accumulation in pollinators.
U.S.-based public and private institutions of higher education, public and private nonprofit institutions and organizations, state and local governments, and Tribal governments are eligible to apply. All applicants are encouraged to collaborate with Maine-based producers, agricultural service providers, and/or institutions.
An information session will be held online on October 16, 2025. Mandatory pre-proposals are due November 10, 2025, and full proposals must be received by February 13, 2026. The full Request for Applications can be found at https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ag/pfas/pfas-fund-research.shtml. Questions can be submitted to PFASFund.DACF@maine.gov.
The Northeast SARE Farmer Grant program is calling for proposals.
The Northeast SARE Farmer Grant program provides funds to farmers to explore innovative concepts in sustainable agriculture conducted through experiments, surveys, prototypes, on-farm demonstrations or other research and education techniques. Farmer Grant projects must:
- Be led by a farmer who meets Northeast SARE’s definition of a farm
- Collaborate with a technical advisor.
- Impact both the farmer Project Leader and other farms in the region.
- Explore an innovative practice and/or introduce an existing practice to a new audience of farmers.
- Include outreach activities, or sharing of project impacts and results, to farmers beyond the project team and project participants.
- Align with proposal criteria
This grant program is open to farmers in the Northeast region.
- Approximately $800,000 has been allocated to fund projects
- Projects typically range from $5,000 to a maximum of $30,000
- Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on December 9, 2025
- Projects beginning in March 2026
- Must take place in Northeast (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.)
- Q&A Sessions are taking place from 12-1 p.m. EST on November 4, 11, 18, 25
2026 Funding Available from the North Central IPM Center
The North Central Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center has funding available for 2026 Critical Issue research projects, Working Group projects, IPM Partnerships, and IPM Mini-grants.
The Center anticipates awarding 12 to 15 projects with available funds. Each project may receive up to $30,000 for a 12-month period. Note that no end-date extensions will be available for 2026 funding as the Center’s four-year grant cycle comes to an end.
Download the Critical Issue, Working Group, and IPM Partnerships RFA or the IPM Mini-Grants RFA for more details.
A Q&A webinar will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT). Be sure to register to attend.
The application deadline is Monday, December 1, 2025, at 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. CT) except for mini-grant proposals, which will be available until funds are depleted.
The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) 2026 Partnership Grant Program Call for Proposals is now available online at: https://northcentral.sare.org/Grants/Apply-for-a-Grant/Partnership-Grant/.
NCR-SARE’s Partnership Grant Program is intended to foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.
Individual grants are limited to $50,000 total funding request per application is allowed. A total of $1,000,000 is available to fund roughly 20 projects this year.
Deadline
The deadline for Partnership Grant Program proposals is November 20, 2025 by 4pm Central. The call for proposals is online.
NCR-SARE will accept online submissions for the Partnership Grant Program. The call for proposals provides more information about the online submission system.
Partnership Zoom Session
A Partnership Grant Zoom webinar will occur on October 9, 2025 at 12pm Central. NCR-SARE intends to record the Zoom session and post it online. Register for the Zoom online at: https://umn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_S234aVuhTEO5X7n_g-JqGw
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Foundational and Applied Science Program
The AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program supports grants in six AFRI priority areas to advance knowledge in both fundamental and applied sciences important to agriculture.
The six priority areas are:
- Plant Health and Production and Plant Products
- Animal Health and Production and Animal Products
- Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health
- Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment
- Agriculture Systems and Technology
- Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities.
Research-only, extension-only, and integrated research, education and/or extension projects are solicited in this Request for Applications (RFA). See Foundational and Applied Science RFA for specific details.
Estimated Total Program Funding
$300,000,000