In the News

July 17, 2009

Team supports farm profitability while being an environmental guardian

A UC Statewide IPM (UC IPM) team was recognized at the 6th International IPM Symposium in Portland in March 2009 for their contributions to the Grower Incentives for IPM Team Project.

	From left: Pete Goodell, Mary Lou Flint, Carolyn Pickel, Joyce Strand, Michael Brewer, Benjamin Smallwood, David Biddinger, Ed Rajotte, Joy Landis, Robert Nowierski

The group, comprised of UC IPM advisors Peter Goodell and Carolyn Pickel, entomologist Mary Louise Flint, and Joyce Strand, associate director of communications, were honored.

In 2005, the California Natural Resources Conservation Service  (NRCS) partnered with UC IPM to adopt a state Pest Management Standard (NRCS 595) that offers incentives to growers to create IPM plans that incorporate integrated pest management practices identified on the UC IPM Web site. California NRCS has doubled the value of its contracts for IPM incentive funding that can support new field sampling programs, use of new tools such as mating disruption, or release of biological control agents.

Working across institutions, agencies, and the agricultural and environmental communities, the team launched a variety of educational activities to support NRCS field staff and growers interested in implementing IPM practices through use of UC IPM's Pest Management Guidelines for over 40 crops, including year-round IPM programs for many of those. 

UC IPM developed the comprehensive year-round integrated pest management programs to be used as templates by growers wishing to participate in the IPM aspects of NRCS programs. Each program includes an annual checklist that guides farmers through a year of implementing preventive cultural practices, monitoring pests, making sound management decisions, and planning for the next season.

UC IPM, California NRCS, Natural Resource Defense Council, EPA, federal and state partners were recognized for this international award.

Resources

High-resolution image (172 KB) "From left: Pete Goodell, Mary Lou Flint, Carolyn Pickel, Joyce Strand, Michael Brewer, Benjamin Smallwood, David Biddinger, Ed Rajotte, Joy Landis, Robert Nowierski ." Photo credit: Courtesy of UC Statewide IPM Program. Photos are for use with this release only. All other uses see Legal Notices.

Contacts

Stephanie Klunk, Communications Specialist
UC Statewide IPM Program
(530) 754-6724

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