Commodity groups, farmers and others can now apply for new grants that will help improve soil fertility and crop protection using cultural practices and biological pest control that reduce reliance on agricultural chemicals. The UC Davis-based Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program has launched the Biologically Integrated Farming systems (BIFS) pilot project, the result of new state legislation. Funded with $585,000 from Cal-EPA's Department of Pesticide Regulation and the U.S.-EPA, BIFS will support projects in up to five commodities throughout California. "BIFS is a voluntary program with financial incentives to encourage farmers to find the best farming practices themselves," says Bill Liebhardt, sustainable agriculture researcher. BIFS is designed around a team approach to farm management, using farmers, consultants, UC farm advisors and researchers, and independent pest-control advisers.