Due to limitations in the award process, 2025-2026 funding is only available for projects based out of Colorado State University.
Funding is available for projects running approximately December 2025-August 2026. Project applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To discuss project ideas, program fit, and application details, please contact Morgan Valley.
Emerging issues are defined as health risks that are new or have rapidly expanding impact in the immediate or near future. The Emerging Issues Grant Program is designed to provide a structure to identify issues of high priority for regional producers and the flexibility for HICAHS to respond rapidly. All funds awarded through the emerging issues grant program should be used to address priorities identified by HICAHS stakeholders including producers, extension agents, the HICAHS External Advisory Board, and other agriculture and forestry partners in the region. Projects and use of funds may vary depending on the need and availability.
Current “Emerging Issues” Priorities 2024-25
Proposed projects should address at least one of the priorities listed below:
- Extreme weather/climate change, particularly heat stress & illness prevention, wildfire smoke and ash inhalation
- Infectious diseases, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
- One Health (Interconnections between animal, environmental, and human health)
- Labor issues, particularly labor shortages and high turnover
- Robotics, automation, & artificial intelligence
- Silica exposures
- Hearing conservation
- Land-based fish production/aquaculture
- Issues related to youth on the farm
- Mental health
- Substance use
- Distracted machinery operation
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Additional topics will be considered, given justification for the topic as an emerging issue in the HICAHS region.
Recently Funded Projects
- The Role of omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid in promoting resilience against bacterial pneumonia following repetitive agricultural dust exposure – PI: Tara Nordgren, Colorado State University
- Modeling the Impact of Inhaled Toxicants Mixtures on Peripheral System among Agricultural Workers using Caenorhabditis elegans – PI: Luke Montrose with student Co-I Jacob Smoot, Colorado State University
- Colorado Agriculture Heat Illness Prevention Train-the-Trainer PI: Whitney Pennington, Colorado State University
- Perceptions of Weekly Overtime Requirements for Agricultural Workers – Project Protect Food System Workers
- Biomarkers for Environmental Chemical and Pollutant Mixtures in Agricultural Communities – PI: Sheryl Magzamen, Colorado State University
- Design And Utilization of a Virtual Reality Training Tool on Appropriate PPE Use Among Dairy Workers and Producers Impacting Farm Biosecurity and Biosafety – PI: Sangeeta Rao, Colorado State University
- Using WGS to Assess the Risk of AMR among Colorado Agricultural Workers – PI: Michael Haverkate, Colorado School of Public Health
- Project Protect Food Systems Workers: Project Protect Promotora Network in Rural Colorado – PI: Hunter Knapp, Project Protect Food System Workers
- Piloting a Regional Respiratory Protection Education and Fit Testing Model for Pesticide Applicators in Colorado’s Marijuana Industry – PI: Annyce Mayer, National Jewish Health System
- Assessing the 3D Facial Anthropometrics of LatinX Workers – PI: John Rosecrance, with student Co-I Kayna Hobbs, Colorado State University
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit a short (no more than 2 pages) proposal describing:
- The problem and the associated burden (risk, population affected)
- Project objectives
- Approach, including a detailed plan on how the study will be completed within the proposed timeframe
- Likely outcome or result
- Potential impact
- Brief budget
- Letter(s) of Support
Submit your application electronically in a single PDF file to Emerging Issues Program Lead, Dr. Morgan Valley at [email protected]. We will conduct rolling rapid reviews of proposals and can provide a more specific decision timeline when an application is submitted.
Contacts
