IPM News and Events Roundup 10/31/2025
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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Northeastern IPM Center News
IPM Partnership Grants Program
In FY2026, the Southern IPM Center (SIPMC) at North Carolina State University will temporarily administer the Northeastern IPM Partnership Grants Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA).
The RFA opens on October 31, 2025, and closes on December 19, 2025, at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Research in the news
Optimizing application timing and frequency of a novel dsRNAi-based insecticide for Colorado potato beetle management (scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is as important pest of potato, Solanum tuberosum, in the U.S. CPB management is heavily dependent on broad-spectrum insecticides, thereby stimulating an interest to identify alternative solutions. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of ledprona, a dsRNA interference-based bioinsecticide, following different application timings and frequencies to reduce CPB populations, minimize defoliation, and protect potato yields across diverse conditions in the northern U.S.
The troublesome weed JOHNSONGRASS [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.] is predicted to expand its range under climate change. In the process, it is likely to become more competitive in corn (Zea mays L.) production areas of the northeastern United States and southern Canada. A replicated greenhouse experiment was conducted to measure interspecific and intraspecific competition between an S. halepense biotype from central New York State (northern range edge) and corn under drought and well-watered conditions. Drought stress significantly reduced the biomass and height of corn and S. halepense in both rounds of the experiment (P < 0.001). Drought stress increased the root-to-shoot ratio of S. halepense (P < 0.001) and reduced the root-to-shoot ratio of corn (P < 0.001). In one run of the experiment, corn produced 19.3% more aboveground biomass (P < 0.001) and 6.6% more height (P < 0.001) when competing with an S. halepense plant (interspecific competition) than when competing with a second corn plant (intraspecific competition).
A combination of cry (Cry2Ab) and plant lectin (PTA) genes confers resistance against major sucking and chewing insect pests of cotton (link.springer.com)
Insect pests constitute a considerable risk to global crop production. Although Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins produced in transgenic plants are effective against chewing insect pests, they do not protect plants against sucking insect pests, and continued use of Bt crops in the field can lead to the evolution of resistant pest species. However, several plant-derived mannose binding lectins are effective against sucking insect pests.
From habitats to hashtags: examining online discussions about invasive species (ecologyandsociety.org)
Public awareness is critical for societal support for conservation efforts, including management of biological invasions. However, traditional methods for assessing public awareness are limited, and its role as a key factor in alien species invasions remains largely unknown. The rise of participatory web and social media platforms, such as Twitter (rebranded as X), has provided opportunities to gain insight into societal perceptions through user-generated content. In this study, we assessed public discourse about invasive species on social media by analyzing over 500,000 tweets containing the term “invasive species” posted between 2006 and 2021. Our aim was to identify the most frequently mentioned taxa and habitats, prevailing topics, and subject matters that generated high engagement in discussions on biological invasions. We found that mammals, specifically domesticated and urban pests, were the most frequently mentioned, while aquatic habitats and those interfacing with aquatic habitats dominated the top 15 mentioned habitat types.
Heat-driven functional extinction of Caribbean Acropora corals from Florida’s Coral Reef (science.org)
As little as a 2°C increase in temperature is enough for many corals to bleach, a process in which symbionts are shed and from which recovery is uncertain. An increase of more than a couple of degrees kills corals, and their reef-building skeletons start to crumble. Manzello et al. have been tracking the fate of species of Acropora corals along the Florida Keys. These species have been struggling to survive elevated temperatures for many years, and there have been intensive conservation efforts to restore Acropora spp. reefs. Unfortunately, in 2023, an acute heating event, when water temperatures exceeded the maximum monthly mean sea surface temperature by 2.5°C for many weeks, led to the extinction of wild and replanted corals on the Florida Keys. —Caroline Ash
Quantification of PFAS in soils treated with biosolids in ten northeastern US farms (nature.com)
This study, one of the few conducted to date on working farms in the US, examined per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in 10 farms treated with biosolids using a paired control-treatment approach. Biosolids are nutrient-rich and inexpensive soil amendments, however, if the biosolids contain PFAS which are known to be toxic, mobile and to bioaccumulate, they can leave lasting negative impacts on farming soil and water. Our study showed significantly higher concentrations of PFAS in biosolids-treated (treatment) soils compared to (untreated) controls. Soil depth, soil physicochemical properties (e.g., organic matter and pH), and biosolids sources affected concentrations and types of PFAS in treated soils.
News
The October Central Issue newsletter
Highlights include:
• SARE grants
• Insect Eavesdropper webinar
• Organic farming training
Global Study Reveals Tempo of Invasive Species‘ Impacts (morningagclips.com)
Biological invasions occur when non-native or exotic species colonize new geographic regions, often to the detriment of local plants and animals. Today, human action contributes significantly to invasion processes, allowing species to bridge vast distances and enter new habitats at a highly accelerated rate. This makes it increasingly important to better understand the impact of invasions on ecosystems.
Faculty win Bezos grants to use AI for environmental challenges (news.cornell.edu)
Cornell has won three of 15 major grants awarded to leverage artificial intelligence in the fight against climate change and environmental challenges.
Eilyan Bitar, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering in Cornell Engineering; the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics; and Ayshwarya Subramanian, assistant professor of molecular biology and genetics in the College of Arts and Sciences, are recipients of funding from Phase II of the Bezos Earth Fund’s AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge. The funding will advance the researchers’ ongoing efforts to scale AI solutions that address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges – from biodiversity loss and food insecurity to climate change. Launched in 2024, the challenge supports early-stage concepts demonstrating the potential for AI to accelerate environmental progress.
Exploring the Western NY Wilds: Don’t touch the oil beetle (wellsvillesun.com)
Oil beetles are members of the blister beetle family, a telling name of the danger they pose.
When handled, they partake in something called “reflexive bleeding” or “auto hemorrhaging”. A yellowish, oily substance exudes from the joints of their legs. This stuff is called hemolymph, which is the insect world’s equivalent of blood. It is predominantly water, but it also contains nutrients, such as carbohydrates and lipids, and other things necessary for life, like hormones.
Tame Wild Oats with Early-Maturing Crop Rotations and Harvest Weed Seed Control in the Canadian Prairies (growiwm.org)
If you could outrun wild oat in your field, would you? Canadian Prairie farmers are battling herbicide-resistant wild oat in their wheat-canola productions, but rotations of early-maturing crops might help compete with this troublesome weed and could make harvest weed seed control more successful, says Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researcher Dr. Breanne Tidemann.
HPAI Detected in Commercial Poultry Flock in Gordon County Georgia (southeastagnet.com)
A detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed last week in a commercial poultry flock in Gordon County, Georgia, according to Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle, Georgia’s State Veterinarian. The flock, consisting of approximately 140,000 broilers, showed signs of elevated mortality, prompting immediate testing and rapid response.
Announcements
Previously featured
Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program is seeking a new State Coordinator to lead the New York State Professional Development Program. Are you passionate about working with farmers and professionals who innovate and advance sustainable agriculture? The purpose of the Northeast SARE State Program is to train service providers who work with farmers, and to conduct outreach about SARE programs and resources. The program offers $47,000 of non-competitive annual funding to each coordinator to work towards these goals through a needs-based project of their design. State Coordinators also gain valuable experience regionally by serving as a SARE grant reviewer, attending annual farm tours, and participating in educational workshops.
Steps:
- Register using this form to attend the session to learn about this unique opportunity on Monday, November 17th, noon –1pm. The session will be recorded and shared with registrants.
- Due December 12th Submit to: Andy Turner (ast4@cornell.edu) Cc: Katie Campbell-Nelson (kcampbellnelson@sare.org) , your CV and Cover Letter expressing your interest, experience and ability to conduct professional development for agricultural service providers in New York State in order to “develop their understanding, competence, and ability to teach and communicate the concepts of sustainable agriculture.”
- Your application will be reviewed by Cornell Extension Directors and Northeast SARE staff. Candidates will go through a selection process and be appointed to develop a full application beginning in January due early May. Funding begins October 1, 2026.
Notes: This is not a job application, but rather a funding opportunity for a person interested in coordinating a statewide professional development program for service providers who work with farmers. Funding is generally offered in $141,000 three-year consecutive contracts and are non-competitive once a coordinator is identified. Funding may cover salary/fringe and a variety of program expenses. State Coordinators may not apply for or receive funding from competitive SARE funding while they serve in the role.
The North Central Region - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) is seeking reviewers for the following grant review committees:
- Research and Education Grant Program Review Committee (Technical Committee)
- Farmer Rancher Grant Program Review Committee
- Partnership Grant Program Review Committee
- Professional Development Grant Program (PDP) Review Committee
- Graduate Student Grant Program Review Committee
- Youth Educator Grant Program Review Committee
About NCR-SARE Review Committees
NCR-SARE’s review committees review proposals and make recommendations to the Administrative Council, which can be a rewarding and educating experience for those interested in sustainable production and the grant-making process.
Each NCR-SARE review committee has varying requirements, but review committee members are generally required to review proposals, discuss the proposals on a conference call or in person, and provide recommendations to the Administrative Council. An NCR-SARE review committee member may not apply to that particular grant program while serving on that committee.
Review committee members must live and work in the geography shared with the 12 states of the North Central SARE region: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, and WI.
How to Apply
Complete this online form to apply for one of NCR-SARE’s grant review committees. In addition to completing the online form, you will be asked to upload a resume, curriculum vitae (CV), or short bio with your relevant experiences. This helps our team assemble review committees with the needed skills and knowledge areas. Recommendations can also be emailed to ncrsare@umn.edu. We will acknowledge receipt of the materials and reply regarding the selection process's outcome.
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.
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
Webinars, seminars, meetings, and more
Previously featured
Seed Cleaning Fundamentals: Techniques, Tools and Strategies
Join Organic Seed Alliance, seed growers, farmers, and extension specialists for a practical, 90-minute webinar on the foundations of seed cleaning. Whether you’re processing small batches for on-farm use or scaling up for commercial production, understanding seed cleaning is essential for seed quality and efficiency. This session will introduce the key principles of cleaning both wet- and dry-processed seeds, including threshing, winnowing, screening and fermenting, drying, and storage. Presenters will share hands-on experience with crop-specific methods. Participants will gain insight into how to improve seed quality, reduce labor, and develop processes that fit their farm’s size and production goals.
Date & Time
Nov 4, 2025 02:00 PM
New England Regional Milkshed Workshops
Help shape strategies that support agricultural businesses and communities in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak. Over four sessions (held once a month), participants will identify challenges and possible solutions for New England’s dairy industry. These workshops build on input gathered during the New England Milkshed Community Project meetings held during late 2024 and early 2025. Registration - Please let us know which workshops you plan to attend. Your participation is valued no matter how many workshops you attend. Stipends are available for eligible farmers who attend any or all of the workshops. If you want to request a stipend for attending, please let us know in the questions and comments section.
Date & Time
You can choose to attend one or more of the following sessions.
Nov 12, 2025 01:00 PM
Dec 10, 2025 01:00 PM
Jan 14, 2026 01:00 PM
Feb 11, 2026 01:00 PM
Register NOW for the 2025 High Tunnel Production Conference!
The University of Vermont, in collaboration with the Univ. of New Hampshire and Univ. of Maine is holding a conference on high tunnel production in northern New England. The event, titled “Enhance Your Tunnel Vision” will be held December 10 and 11, 2025 at the Fireside Inn and Suites in West Lebanon, NH.
Speakers from the organizing institutions will present the latest best practices for high tunnel production. In the morning of the first day, a tour will be offered by the farmers of Edgewater Farm, Plainfield, NH. The afternoon is full of cucumber and winter green production farmer to farmer sessions. On day two, session topics include high tunnel engineering, irrigation and nutrient management, abiotic issues, pest management, strategies to conserve natural enemies, economics and more. Pesticide re-certification credits (number still pending) will be awarded. The registration cost is $120 for both days and $90 for each additional person from the same farm.
Crop and Pest Management School 2026
The Crop and Pest Management School (CPMS) will be held January 14-15, 2026, at the MSU Billings Strand Union Building and will present accurate information designed to update participants on areas of new and proven agricultural techniques and emphasize sustainable management systems. Participants will learn to recognize the damage caused by pests and to integrate management methods in decision making. Click here for more information and a full agenda!
Flooded areas can create temporary connections between adjacent drainages and are a relatively understudied pathway for the spread of aquatic invasive species. The Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database’s Flood and Storm Tracker (FaST) maps were developed to help natural resource managers with post-storm aquatic invasive species detection and assessment efforts. As of 2024, 20 FaST maps have been published from hurricanes and flooding events in the United States and territorial islands. The FaST maps provide resource managers with information about new aquatic invasions due to potential flood dispersal that can assist with early detection and rapid response systems. We use publicly available hydrologic and elevation datasets along with stream and wave heights during major storms and floods to infer potential watershed boundary breaches that could be temporary corridors for non-native aquatic species introductions. The FaST maps are published soon after major storms and floods to display where species of interest were reported prior to flood conditions and which neighboring watersheds are now at risk of new introductions by those species due to flooding.
Date & Time
Nov 12, 2025 11:00 AM in EST
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
NOFA-NY's Annual Winter Conference convenes hundreds of farmers, food system professionals, educators, advocates, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about advancing the organic principles that create better food and farming systems.
Friday, January 9: We will kick off the conference with a series of in-depth intensives followed by an opening event that features networking at the trade show—complete with live music, local food, drinks, and great company!
Saturday, January 10: The conference will offer more than 30 educational workshops and events along with the trade show, breakfast, lunch, and more!
Save $10 with an early bird ticket! Offer expires December 12, 2025.
Please join UVM Ext NWCS and NECCC
on Wednesday November 5, 2025, for a webinar on cover crops, interseeding, and more. 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:
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.
- 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
- 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
2025 Northeast Greenhouse Conference & Expo
November 12 & 13, 2025
Doubletree by Hilton Manchester Downtown Hotel and Expo Center
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
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
Previously featured
Assistant Professor – Crop Resilience to Environmental Stress
Stockbridge School of Agriculture, UMass Amherst (Full-time, 9-month, tenure-track |Job no: 528605). The Stockbridge School of Agriculture seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor to develop a research and teaching program on crop responses and adaptation to environmental stresses (e.g., drought, heat, salinity, pathogens, pollutants). Candidates should integrate molecular biology, physiology, and molecular breeding tools (e.g., CRISPR-Cas, gene pyramiding, association mapping) to enhance crop tolerance and productivity under climate variability. Teaching includes undergraduate and graduate courses in plant biotechnology, crop improvement, or stress physiology. Faculty benefit from state-of-the-art greenhouses, research farms, and collaboration across UMass Amherst. Qualifications: Ph.D. in Crop Sciences, Plant Biology, or related field; research excellence; scholarly productivity; potential for external funding; strong communication skills. Full position details and application link HERE.
Assistant Professor – Plant Health and Plant-Microbe Interactions
Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst. Full-time, 9-month, tenure-track appointment, Job no: 528621
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Plant Health and Plant–Microbe Interactions, starting September 1, 2026. The position focuses on developing innovative, sustainable solutions for managing plant diseases affecting horticultural and specialty crops in Massachusetts and New England.
Candidates should integrate fundamental and applied research (e.g., host resistance, biocontrol, plant–soil–microbe ecology, diagnostics, or precision disease management) using modern molecular, genomic, or computational tools. Collaboration across UMass programs, Extension, and regional stakeholders is expected.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Biology, Horticulture, or related field (by start date), record of research productivity and potential for extramural funding, teaching and mentoring ability at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Full position details and application link available HERE.
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.
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.
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
IPM Partnership Grants Program
In FY2026, the Southern IPM Center (SIPMC) at North Carolina State University will temporarily administer the Northeastern IPM Partnership Grants Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA).
Our annual competitive grants program, Northeastern IPM Partnership Grants, regionally addresses important issues in IPM including but not limited to: Community IPM; IPM and Organic Systems; Pollinators; Next Generation Education; Advanced Production Systems; Emerging Invasive Species; Pesticide Resistance; and Economics. We use a competitive process each year to solicit and select projects for funding.
The RFA opens on October 31, 2025, and closes on December 19, 2025, at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Applications Open Nov. 3
The 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Phase I Grant Opportunity Request for Applications opens on Monday, November 3, 2025.
Applications are due by December 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Please review the Request for Applications before applying.
Q & A Webinars will be hosted through Zoom on the following dates and times:
- November 12, 2025, 9 AM
- November 24, 2025, 11 AM
- December 9, 2025 2 PM
The registration links will be available on November 3, 2025.
The USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) program is a competitive grant program solicited once a year. The SCBGP funds market research, market promotion and new technology projects specifically to benefit specialty crop producers. Grant-funded projects must benefit Maine’s specialty crop industry and may not be intended to support an individual business or organization.
Previously featured
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Closing Date
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Contact for Electronic Access Problems
grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
Funding Opportunity Number
USDA-NIFA-AFRI-011134
Assistance Listing Number
10.310
Estimated Total Program Funding
$300,000,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement
For equipment grants and if commodity specific. See RFA for details.
Range of Awards
$10,000 - $10,000,000