ISHS Acta Horticulturae 422: International Conference on Integrated Fruit Production
EXTENDING THE CONCEPTS OF IFP TO OTHER CROPS: AN IPM CERTIFICATION PROGRAM IN MASSACHUSETTS, USA |
| Author: | Craig S. Hollingsworth |
| Abstract:
An IPM certification program in Massachusetts certifies IPM-grown sweet corn, strawberries, potatoes, cole crops and tomatoes. Survey information from consumers, the food industry and farmers in the northeastern United States showed support for the concept of certifying and marketing crops grown using environmentally-responsible techniques, especially integrated pest management. The program, Partners with Nature, is administered as a collaboration of state and federal agencies. Certification is based on the use of best management practices including nutrient management, disease management, insect management, weed management, pesticide application and education. A point system weights management practices based on their importance to management and their difficulty. Growers who complete 70% of the possible IPM practice points are certified. Farmers who enroll in the certification program are provided with educational materials and qualified growers are given documentation of their certification and marketing assistance, including posters and brochures, and marketing assistance. The program is also associated with a federal government IPM cost-sharing program: growers who meet certification requirements are eligible for cost-share funds. Because of the mutual support of these state and federal programs, grower participation in both of the programs has grown in each year. | |
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