Funding for reduced-risk pesticide development?

Kathy Brunetti (brunetti@empm.cdpr.ca.gov)
Mon, 3 Jun 1996 12:28:16 -0800

I have been approached by a representative of a small entrepreneurial firm
that is developing a microbial pesticide. They have a product ready, but
now they are looking for sources of funding for product testing--to get the
data needed for U. S. and California registration. This is not the first
such request I have had and I am sure it will not be the last. There
appear to be a number of small outfits developing microbial, biochemical,
or other reduced-risk pest controls that will have to be registered as
pesticides. The CAlifornia Department of Pesticide Regulation does not
have any grants available to fund data gathering. But I would like to be
able to prepare a package of information I could send to people inquiring
about funding. I am not looking to provoke a discussion of how such things
SHOULD be funded, but rather to obtain practical information I can pass on
right now.

So, my question to you sanetters is: how does a small company get funding
for developing reduced-risk pesticides? Are there public or private sector
grants out there? Could they form a partnership with some larger outfit?
If so, whom do you approach and how do you approach them? Maybe it would
be possible to approach grower or industry groups that would be potential
users of the products. Who are they? How do you approach them about
funding? Are there public or private sector programs designed to help
facilitate development of environmentally-friendly products? Are there
Internet resources? What other suggestions do you have for these
companies?

If I am able to compile enough information to put together a good package,
I will put an announcement on sanet of availability.

****************************************
Kathy Brunetti, Agriculture Program Supervisor
California Department of Pesticide Regulation
1020 N Street Room 161, Sacramento, California, USA 95814
voice (916) 324-4100, FAX (916) 324-4088, brunetti@empm.cdpr.ca.gov
Our Web site: http://www.cdpr.ca.gov