Overview
The Minor Crop Pest Management Program (IR-4) was created to support the collection of residue and efficacy data needed to register crop protectants for minor uses and specialty crops and to establish tolerances for pesticide residues on agricultural commodities. IR4 is a unique national program with specialized infrastructure and a long-standing network of federal research and regulatory agencies, Land-grant universities, growers, commodity groups, and industry partners. Together, these collaborations ensure that new, effective crop protection tools are developed and made available to specialty crop producers.
Unlike general competitive research programs, IR-4 operates as a specialized national service with regulatory support, coordinated research, and long-term infrastructure needs that require stable, dedicated funding. The program has broad support across the specialty crop community, and its partnerships have enabled more than 75,000 pesticide registrations since its inception. IR-4 plays a vital role in protecting crop productivity, strengthening U.S. agricultural competitiveness, and ensuring a reliable supply of safe, nutritious foods. Since 1963, IR-4’s work has touched every corner of the specialty crop ecosystem, and the program remains essential to supporting healthy harvests, driving economic growth, and helping American specialty crop producers compete successfully in global markets.
Eligibility
The IR-4 program is a non-competitive grant program and not open to public competition at this time. New awards are issued every four years, and the IR-4 Project is currently awarded to North Carolina State University.
Read more about non-competitive grant programs at NIFA.
