PESPWlRE The Monthly e-Bulletin of PESP | February 2010 Partnership Grants Demonstrate Integrated Pest Management EPA has awarded grants totaling nearly $1 million for projects that promote agricultural and community-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches to pesticide risk-reduction. IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. The grants will support a number of diverse activities, including: research, demonstration of innovative IPM practices, technologies, training of new IPM coaches, outreach, and multilingual education programs. In selecting grant awards, EPA emphasized projects that address: • alternatives to soil fumigants and azinphos methyl, a pesti- cide used on orchard fruit, nuts and other crops • IPM strategies for watersheds with pesticides in surface waters • IPM in schools, daycare, hospitals, and urban residences • adoption of biopesticides or reduced-risk pesticides • methods for measuring IPM adoption or the reduction of risks associated with pesticide use • business cases for implementing IPM The funding for these grants was authorized by the Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act. Grants were awarded by the Office of Pesticide Programs, Biopesticide and Pollution Prevention Division, for a two-year period of performance to the following four organizations: • Baltimore City Health Department (Baltimore, MD): $250,000 for "Safe Pest Management for Health: An Initiative to Reduce Community Pesticide Use, Increase IPM, and Improve Environmental Health in Baltimore through Public and Private Partnerships." • University of California (Berkeley, CA): $249,687 for "Implementing Reduced Risk Alternatives for Management of Codling Moth in Walnuts." • The Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA): $249,770 for "Collaborative Design and Delivery of a Unified Training Platform for IPM In Buildings." • University of Wisconsin (Madison, Wl): $202, 027 for "Expanding and Improving the Use of IPM in Midwest Fruit Production." For more information about these grants, please visit the PRIA2 Partnership Grants Web site. PESP Member of the Month Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Lawrence, KS PESP Member Since 1 995 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) GCSAA's role in pesticide risk reduction within the golf course maintenance industry is best described by through its mission statement: GCSAA is dedicated to serving its members, advancing their profession and enhancing the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. GCSA fifl GCSAA's philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf is committed to strengthening the compatibility of the game of golf with the natural environment. As those two missions are advanced during the next five years, the promotion of pesticide risk reduction will be achieved within their on-going initiatives. GCSAA will promote pesticide risk reduction within the golf industry by: • obtaining reliable data on golf course management prac- tices, pest management strategies and pesticide use; • sponsoring and promoting turfgrass research; • providing tools, templates, and/or other associated guides for golf course superintendents that will enhance the deci- sion making processes regarding pesticide use; and • providing direct education, outreach and communications encouraging environmental stewardship practices on golf courses. GCSAA continues to develop a working knowledge of pesticide use, maintenance operations, and turfgrass research within the golf industry. Using this knowledge GCSAA will provide programs, tools, education and research geared toward the golf course superintendent that will ultimately lead to reduced risk in the use of pesticides on golf courses. Inside This Issue Partnerships Grants Demonstrate Integrated Pest Management ..1 PESP Member of the Month 1 PESP News 2 Announcements...... 4 Upcoming Conferences, Meetings, and Events 5 Grant Opportunities 6 February 2010 www.epa.gov/pesp ------- PESP News 0 Five Resolutions for Your IPM Program in 2010 Provided by the IPM Institute of North America's School 2015 Program Whether your district contracts for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) services or operates an in-house IPM program, there are some common challenges facing IPM programs in every district - and ways you can address them. Here are five simple "School IPM New Year's Resolutions" that your district may want to adopt in 201 0. 1. Maintain an IPM policy and an IPM plan for your district. An IPM policy is typically a brief, one-to-two page guidance document that explicitly states your district's commitment to IPM. An IPM plan, on the other hand, is a detailed document that outlines how pests are managed in your district. The plan includes who's involved with pest management, their roles, including who can purchase and use pesticides, procedures for handling specific pest problems and pesticide usage guidelines (for example, what pesticides can be used and where, or how and when can they be applied). Some states require districts to have an IPM plan. Even if it is not mandated in your state, it is good practice to create a plan and update it at least once a year. This can help clarify expectations in the event of staff transitions, when putting together bids for contractors and in day-to-day operations. 2. License and train any applicators in your district to use pesticides properly. Even though school IPM programs often result in substantial reductions in pesticide use, they remain an important tool. Anyone applying pesticides in your school should be trained and licensed to apply pesticides safely. In addition, this training can help IPM coordinators better understand these requirements, even if they do not make applications themselves. Furthermore, anyone playing a key role in pest management should be knowledgeable about pest biology, sanitation and exclusion options. 3. Verify that any contractors providing pest management services are state-licensed and understand IPM. One way to do this is to hire contractors that are certified by a third party program that promotes effective, prevention-based pest control while minimizing pesticide use and risk. Three third- party certifications, EcoWise, GreenPro and Green Shield Certified are operating currently with certified practitioners in many states. If a certified pest management professional (PMP) is not available in your area, you can request that your local PMP become certified. Certification could be included in your bid specifications to emphasize that third-party certification is valued in your district and to alert potential contractors that your district demands a high level of expertise. 4. Restrict blanket purchase orders with vendors or local stores that sell pesticides to authorized purchasers. The convenience of blanket purchase orders can lead to miscommunication when pesticides are purchased and used by coaches, athletic directors or other school staff without the knowledge of the IPM coordinator. In 2010, review all the ways that pesticides might be arriving on your campuses. Consider including restrictions in blanket purchase orders with pesticide vendors (including local stores) that no district staff may purchase pesticides without approval from the operations department or specify that only certain staff members may purchase pesticides. 5. Consider pest management in new building and renovation design and construction. At one IPM workshop, the school district host recounted spending thousands of dollars to eliminate bird roosts that could have been easily avoided in the planning and design phase. Other pest-conducive designs fail to provide for tight door seals and sweeps which are extremely effective in reducing pest complaints, or place dumpsters too close to the building where they draw flies and stinging insects to entryways. To avoid this, licensed staff or pest management professionals should project, including site planning, design and construction. Remember, even with the most sophisticated designs, unless pest management is part of the construction process, pests can move in well before teachers and students. Many new buildings have opened with built-in mouse populations, for example. Changing landscape features can expose habitat for rodents and help drive them into buildings for shelter. Be sure to explicitly include IPM steps and roles in design and construction in your IPM plan to help avoid these scenarios. SCHOOL IPfTI School IPM 2015 Reducing Pest Problems and Pesticide Hazards in Our Nation's Schools February 2010 2 www.epa.gov/pesp ------- PESP News Continued m Biopesticide and Organic Database for Integrated Pest Management The primary objective of the IR-4 Biopesticide and Organic Support Program is to further the development and registration of biopesticides for use in pest management systems for specialty crops or for minor uses on major crops. The Biopesticide and Organic Database for IPM is a portal for the public to search for biopesticides across a variety of fields including pest, weed, and state. The search results provide information on the biopesticides registration, label, producer/company, worker reentry, preharvest interval, and the organic active ingredient. Why Use Biopesticides? Resistance management Biopesticides have broad modes of action on pests. This avoids resistance problems that exist with conventional pesticides. Biopesticides often work best in rotation with conventional products so that optimal pest management can be obtained while avoiding resistance problems. Restricted entry interval These requirements limit the time that you can return to pesticide treated fields and can hamper pruning, weeding irrigation or other cultural practices. Many biopesticides have no such restriction, so you can have greater flexibility in completing cultural practices. Homeowners as well may have difficulty keeping children and pets off treated areas. Using biopesticides can alleviate these concerns. Reduced time to harvest You have late season pests close to harvest or you have a crop with multiple harvests. Rain is predicted towards the end of the week, so you need to harvest earlier. With conventional products, you may have to wait several days until you can harvest. Many biopesticides don't have harvest restrictions, so you maintain total flexibility. Residue Management Buyers and consumers are becoming increasingly selective in their purchasing habits. Illegal residues can result in loss of markets, fines, and consumer avoidance. Biopesticides often contain natural products that are normally consumed and do not have residue concerns. Sole Option There are still many pest problems that do not have any conventional products registered for pest management. Since biopesticides are typically labeled broadly, for minor crops or rather obscure pest problems, there may be a biopesticide available, but no conventional product available. Biopesticides can help fill the missing piece in your pest control puzzle. Journal of Integrated Pest Management — Call for Papers Journal of Integrated Pest Management, is a new, open-access, peer-reviewed, extension journal covering the field of integrated pest management. The Editors-in-Chief are Dr. Marlin E. Rice of Pioneer Hi-Bred International (formerly with Iowa State University) and Dr. Kevin L. Steffey of Dow Agrosciences (formerly with the University of Illinois). The editors are requesting submissions of original, extension-type articles about any aspect of pest management in the broadest sense, including, but not limited to, management of pests that affect row crops, forage and grasslands, horticultural crops, forests, urban landscapes, structures, schools, households, livestock and pets, and human health. Articles should be written for one of the three following categories: 1) Profiles: These are biology and ecology profiles for insects pests such as, for example, soybean aphids, emerald ash borers, bed bugs, and others. Profiles will include an insect's scientific name, description of stages, biology, life history, host plants, potential for economic damage, sampling or scouting procedures, and management and control options. 2) Issues: These articles will focus on emerging integrated pest management issues such as "Transgenic Bt Cotton and Insect Management" or "Prevention and Management of Bed Bugs in Commercial Buildings." Articles will include information on the issue's relevance, why the issue developed, balanced perspectives on the issue, and possible solutions. 3) Recommendations: These articles will contain consensus- based, pest management recommendations on topics such as "Management of Cattle Ticks in the Southwestern U.S." or "Management of the Asian Longhorned Beetle in New England Urban Environments." Recommendations will be based upon the principles of integrated pest management (IPM) and supported by published research and validation data when available. Intended Readership The intended readership for the journal will be any professional who is engaged in any aspect of IPM, including, but not limited to, crop producers, individuals working in crop protection, retailers, manufacturers and suppliers of pest management products, educators, and pest control operators. Journal of integrated Pest Management February 201 0 3 www.epa.gov/pesp ------- Announcements New Public Service Announcement on Rodent Management A new video public service announcement provides information on how to prevent rats and mice from infesting homes. Entitled "Infestations Vacations," the video is a spoof of a television commercial advertising a vacation service for rats. By showing all the "amenities" that attract rodents into homes, the video educates viewers on how to prevent infestations in the first place and, as a result, eliminate the need to use pesticides for rodent control. The public service announcement was developed by EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs in partnership with students from Howard University in Washington, D.C. It was produced by the Earth Conservation Corps, a non-profit organization that prepares inner-city youth for environmental careers. To view the video, go to: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/controlling/rodents.htm Hoi Howard University's CapComm Lab, the Earth Conservation Corps, and U.S. EPA present: * Ir^staficrs Vacations ' V a humorous look at how conditions inside the home can contribute to pest problems and practical ways to prevent them f Q > w/ EPA Seeking Comments on Product Performance Test Guidelines for Public Health Uses of Antimicrobial Pesticide Products EPA has issued a Federal Register Notice of Availability seeking public comment on four proposed efficacy test guidelines for public health-related antimicrobial pesticide products. These guidelines address efficacy testing for antimicrobial agents intended to be used on hard, inanimate, environmental surfaces, and that bear label claims as sterilants, disinfectants, and sanitizers. Data from these studies are used to support the labeling claims for public health-related antimicrobial agents. By issuing this notice, EPA will be opening a 60-day public comment period on these draft guidelines. The draft guidelines will be filed in Docket ID # EPA-HQ-OPP- 2009-0681. The Federal Register Notice of Availability can be found at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010- 1 323.htm EPA Extends Comment Period on Worker Risk Policy Paper EPA wiil soon announce in the Federal Register that the Agency is extending the public comment period for an additional 60 days, until April 12, 2010, on the policy paper, Revised Risk Assessment Methods for Workers, Children of Workers in Agricultural Fields, and Pesticides with No Food Uses. This paper describes how the Agency plans to use revised methods in conducting risk assessments for pesticide uses and exposures not governed by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Implementing this policy is expected to increase protections, especially for agricultural workers and children of workers in agricultural fields. EPA's December 9, 2009 Federal Register notice announced the availability of the policy paper and opened a 60-day comment period that would have closed on February 8, 2010. In response to requests from stakeholders, EPA has decided to extend the comment period to April 1 2, 201 0. For additional information, please see the Worker Risk Assessment web page, http://www.e pa.gov/pesticid es/hea I th/worker-rsk-assmnt. html and Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0889 at www.regulations. gov. EPA Solicits Applications for Assistance to Support the Pesticide Safety Program OPPisseeking proposalsto support the Pesticide Safety Program for fiscal years 201 0 through 201 5. Under this program, OPP will provide financial assistance to an eligible applicant for an education and training pesticide safety program aimed at reducing exposure to pesticides for agricultural workers, their families and the agricultural community. The estimated funding available for award in FY 201 0 is approximately $350,000. Those eligible to apply include states, U.S. territories or possessions, federally recognized Indian tribal governments and Native American organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private nonprofit institutions, local governments, and individuals and international entities. Proposals are due by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on April 5, 201 0. For more information on this request for applications, please see the Funding Opportunity Announcement (26 pp, 155k, about PDF). If you still have questions, contact Carol Parker (parker.carol@epa.gov). February 2010 4 www.epa.gov/pesp ------- Upcoming Conferences, Meetings, and Events NPMA Legislative Day 2010 March 1-2, 2010 Washington, D.C. Greening the Community: The 28th National Pesticide Forum April 9-10, 2010 Cleveland, Ohio School IPM Coordinator Training March 3-4, 201 0 Comal/Austin Area, Texas School IPM Coordinator Training April 20-21, 2010 Houston area, Texas Pest Management Canada 201 0 March 4-6, 201 0 Ottawa, Ontario National Conference on Urban Entomology May 16-19, 2010 Portland, Oregon The Work Truck Show 201 0 14th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference June 21-23, 2010 Washington, D.C. March 10-12, 2010 St. Louis, Missouri Market Growers Symposium March 11-12, 2010 Brenham, Texas National Farmers Union Convention March 14-16, 2010 Rapid City, South Dakota i Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR) Annual Conference ^ sr March 19-20, 2010 Sacramento, California Building Stronger Rural Communities - MAFO's 21st National Conference March 21-24, 2010 San Antonio, Texas 201 0 Food Safety Education Conference March 23- 26, 201 0 Atlanta, Georgia Investigating the Connections between Integrated Pest Management and Water Quality April 3, 2010 Boise, Idaho ------- Grant Opportunities ¦ Close Date Grant Title Agency/Organization Funding Number March 3, 201 0 Pest Management Alternatives Grants USDA-NIFA-SRGP USDA-NIFA-SRGP-002799 March 9, 201 0 201 0 CARE Cooperative Agreements Grants EPA-OAR EPA-OAR-IO-10-04 Travel must occur before March 1 0, 2010 Vegetable/Strawberry IPM Travel Grant Program Northeast IPM Center N/A March 1 2, 2010 Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI) Grant Program FY2010 Region 7 EPA Region 7 EPA-R7WWPD-10-001 March 15, 2010 Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI) Grant Program FY2010 Region 9 EPA Region 9 EPA-R9-CED1-10-002 March 17, 2010 Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants Program USDA-NIFA-BRAP USDA-NIFA-BRAP-002896 March 22, 201 0 Integrated Pest Management: Risk Avoidance and Mitigation Program USDA-NIFA-ICGP USDA-NIFA-ICGP-002836 March 22, 201 0 integrated Pest Management: Methyl Bromide Transitions Program USDA-NIFA-ICGP USDA-NIFA-ICGP-002836 March 22, 201 0 Integrated Pest Management: Crops at Risk Program USDA-NIFA-ICGP USDA-NIFA-ICGP-002836 April 5, 2010 201 0 Healthy Communities Grant Program EPA EPA-R1 -HC-201 0 April 5, 2010 Pesticide Safety Program for Agricultural Workers and Farmworker Children EPA-OPP EPA-OPP-201 0-001 April 12, 2010 Strategic Agricultural initiative (SAI) Grant Program FY2010 Region 2 EPA Region 2 EPA-R2-DECA-PTSB-1 0-01 Ongoing Federal Funding Opportunities for Emerald Ash Borer Research USDA-APHIS - PPQ EAB N/A Ongoing Environmental Quality Incentives Program USDA- NRCS N/A Until Funds Exhaust IPM Minigrants Program North Central IPM Center N/A Until Funds Exhaust Sustainable Agriculture Tours Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) N/A Ongoing Pest Management Strategic Plans in the West Western IPM Center N/A Ongoing SARE Grant Opportunities North Central Region SARE N/A Ongoing SARE Grant Opportunities Northeast Region SARE N/A Ongoing SARE Grant Opportunities Southern Region SARE N/A Ongoing SARE Grant Opportunities Western Region SARE N/A February 2010 6 www.epa.gov/pesp ------- |