US EPA soliciting proposals for new Regional Agricultural IPM Grants

The US EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs is soliciting proposals for new Regional Agricultural IPM Grants totaling $422,000 for projects that support Integrated Pest Management approaches to reduce pesticide risk in agriculture. The agency anticipates funding approximately three projects, with a maximum funding level of $170,000 per project.

The goal of these grants is to increase the adoption of IPM in order to reduce the risks associated with the use of pesticides in agriculture. These grants will help formalize and expand public-private stewardship and collaborative pesticide risk reduction efforts in agriculture.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of easy-to-implement, common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment.  IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides.

Applications must be submitted before July 1, 2013.