(Sacramento, California) The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering California Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) a unique opportunity to earn $2,000 while contributing to the advancement of integrated pest management. Through an updated grant program facilitated by the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), PCAs can participate in a one-season study by tracking pest management practices in a selected field of lettuce, alfalfa, grapes, almonds, pistachios, or tomatoes.
This initiative aims to integrate real-time data collection into the daily operations of PCAs, providing valuable insights into pest management practices across California’s agricultural landscape. Participants will utilize Crop Steward, an intuitive mobile app designed to simplify data entry, allowing them to record field observations, decision-making processes, and treatment recommendations seamlessly within their existing work schedule.To participate in the grant program, a PCA simply needs to create a free profile in Crop Steward (https://cropsteward.com/), and then to enroll one qualified farm block in this system.
In addition to field tracking, PCAs will collaborate with one of four CAPCA interns through at least one ride-along during the growing season. This mentorship component fosters knowledge sharing and strengthens professional development within the industry.
“PCAs are our boots-on-the-ground partners and have first-hand experience with the multitude of pressures that our producers face every day. The information they will gather through this study will provide a clear analysis of the pests our producers are addressing,” said Christine Birdsong, CDFA Undersecretary. “This information is essential for understanding the current state of pest management and the impacts of any future changes.”
This grant program not only offers a financial incentive but also supports critical research that will shape the future of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies in California. Participation is straightforward, requiring minimal additional effort beyond a PCA’s normal workflow. A PCA is not required to be a CAPCA member in order to qualify for the grant.
Spots are limited, and applications are now open. To learn more and to enroll, visit CAPCA’s grant page (https://capca.com/grants).
For media inquiries, please contact:
Patrick Dosier
Innovation and Technology Director
patrick@capca.com
(916) 318-7951
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About CAPCA
CAPCA is a membership organization representing California’s licensed pest control advisers (PCAs). CAPCA’s mission is to facilitate the success of the PCA and to represent our 3,000+ Members who provide pest management consultation for the production of food, fiber and ornamental industries of California. CAPCA’s purpose is to serve as the leader in the evolution of the pest management industry through the communication of reliable information.