Integrated Pest Management
The goal of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program is to manage pest damage using the most economical means with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. It promotes the prudent usage of insecticides in crop production combined with “traditional” pest control methods. These “traditional” preventive methods are based on information about the pests’ life cycles and their interactions with the environment and focus on prevention. Some examples include crop rotation and planting pest-free rootstock near the crops.
IPM is a complex process that varies from crop to crop, so it is difficult to create certification criteria. Currently, there is no IPM certification program and foods that are grown using IPM methods are not identified in the marketplace.
