October 3, 2000

C-FAR requests pre-proposals for food and agricultural research

URBANA--The Illinois Council on Food and Agricultural Research (C-FAR) expects $2-$3 million will be available through its FY02 External Competitive Grants Program. This program supports high-impact research that addresses the needs of Illinois food and agriculture and is open to researchers at any nonprofit institution, organization or agency in the state. Research projects must align with one of the five C-FAR research focus areas: expanding agricultural markets; rural economic development; agricultural production systems; human nutrition and food safety; and natural resources.

This year's competitive grants program follows a new two-step format. The first step is a request for and evaluation of pre-proposals. Pre-proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by C-FAR working group members based on relevance to C-FAR research focus areas, potential outcomes and benefits to stakeholders, and dissemination plans. Pre-proposals are due by 4:00 p.m. on November 1. The second step includes an invitation to principal investigators of top ranking pre-proposals to submit full proposals. Full proposals will undergo scientific review and evaluation. Grants are expected to be awarded in mid April.

For more detailed information about the C-FAR External Competitive Grants Program, including the selection criteria and application instructions, please visit the C-FAR website at www.ilcfar.org, visit the External Competitive Grants Program web page directly at www.ilcfar.org/research/rfpp2002/external2002.html or call the C-FAR office at (217) 244-4232.

C-FAR is a statewide coalition organized to support relevant, high-quality research and related outreach programs for Illinois' food and agricultural systems.

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