New York State IPM could lose funding

Growers and consumers in New York have been writing to their state representatives to reinstate funding in the governor’s budget for the state’s integrated pest management program. Proponents of the program say it saves millions of dollars for growers and consumers while keeping thousands of tons of pesticides out of the environment. If the funding is not restored, the program would be forced to end in July.
The program specifically conducts research and promotes biocontrol for greenhouse production. The IPM program has developed organic production manuals for 13 crops, which have allowed organic growers to typically receive a 30% premium for their crops. The IPM staff has used the $1 million agricultural IPM allocation to leverage $2-3 million more for the state by obtaining grants from federal and private sources.

Pictured: Cuts to the New York governor’s budget would end the state’s IPM program in July.