2008 Annual Report

Pete Goodell

From the Director

Challenges and Changes in 2008

It is again a privilege to introduce these impressive highlights of UC IPM's accomplishments during the past year. The challenges facing the Statewide IPM Program are large, looming, and daunting, just as they are for the entire UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR).

UC IPM continues to make progress in fulfilling its mission within the context of changes suggested by the 2006 program review. Urban and community IPM is expanding into new areas under the direction of Mary Louise Flint. ANR supplied new funding for a demonstration grants program, providing new opportunities for local program implementation. In addition, more year-round IPM programs to help growers navigate pest management guidelines and support USDA-NRCS programs have been developed. Pest management alliances are enhancing our partnerships with agencies and organizations.

In 2008, two IPM advisors separated from UC IPM. Phil Phillips retired after more than 30 years of service, and Anil Shrestha has moved on to California State University, Fresno to pursue a teaching career. However, we were able to add Roger Baldwin as IPM advisor for wildlife management at Kearney Agricultural Center. In addition, Tunyalee Martin joined the staff at Davis in the key role of content supervisor.

The search for a permanent director continues. A campus search committee identified and interviewed an excellent pool of candidates. Follow-up interviews were held, and at the time this article is being written, no decision has been made.

These are challenging times but also times of opportunity. The Statewide IPM Program is fortunate to have a dedicated staff to meet these challenges and provide products and activities that ensure IPM is delivered to the citizens of California. We also appreciate our public and private partners in this effort.

It has been an honor and privilege to have served as interim director for the past year, and I look forward to serving the new director.

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