Pest Management Alternatives l Most pest management alternatives will developed by others: –Extension “Recommends” or “Suggestions” –Certified Crop Advisors –Pest Control Advisors –Crop Consultants –Agrichemical Dealers

Pest Management Alternatives l IPM includes many pest management alternatives that reduce pesticide use –IPM Programs –IPM Principles –IPM in EQIP l Checklist approach (Massachusetts example) –IPM Web Resources

Pest Management Alternatives l How are recommendation decisions made? –Partner with whoever makes recommendations to address environmental risks l Recommendations may be in conflict with natural resource protection goals: –cheap and effective pesticides may have high environmental risks –non-chemical controls such as tillage for weeds may cause excessive erosion

Pest Management Alternatives l “They” focus on Efficacy and Economics. l “We” focus on Environmental risks and appropriate mitigation strategies. l But all three of these must be integrated into final pest management decisions. l Together, we must deliver an integrated message and provide appropriate incentives for implementing reduced risk alternatives.