Purpose The Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) strives to provide growers and industry with cost-effective practices to improve the efficient use of fertilizer and minimize environmental impacts. FREP serves growers, agricultural supply and service professionals, extension personnel, public agencies, consultants, and other interested parties. FREP is entirely funded from a mil tax on the sale of commercial fertilizers in the State of California. Background FREP was created in 1990 through legislative efforts with support from the fertilize industry. The California Food and Agricultural Code Section 14611(b), available at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html, allows CDFA to increase the mill tax on fertilizers, in order to provide funding for research projects that support improved farming practices, reducing nitrate contamination of groundwater, as well as any environmental impacts. Initially, the growing concern of nitrate contamination from fertilizers was FREP's focus. This involved identifying and prioritizing the most nitrate-sensitive groundwater areas in California and working with public agencies, growers, and industry, to develop and promote effective ways to reduce nitrate contamination from fertilizers. FREP continues to fund research on reducing nitrate contamination of groundwater as well as many of California's important environmentally sensitive cropping systems. Priority Areas The priority areas for FREP include: Crop nutrient requirements Fertilization practices Irrigation interactions Site-specific fertilizer technologies Field monitoring tools Nutrient interactions Composts and cover crops Education and public information Click here for More Information