CSREES provides support for a portfolio of IPM research, education, and extension programs that include but are not limited to: the Regional IPM Centers (RIPMC); the Extension IPM Program (ExIPM); the Regional Integrated Pest Management Program (RIPM); the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP); the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN); Interregional Research Project #4 (IR-4); and several other integrated IPM programs. Other USDA agencies support additional programs such as pesticide use data gathering, invasive species monitoring, and environmental effects assessments.
The goals of these IPM programs are: 1) Improve cost benefit analyses when adopting IPM Practices, 2) Reduce potential human health risks from pests and related management strategies, and 3) Minimize adverse environmental effects from pests and related management strategies. Both the efficiency and effectiveness of these individual programs have historically been increased by the expert systems made available to the participants. The EIPMDSS created and maintained by the successful applicant will help these programs establish and communicate IPM research, education, and extension priorities; allow a diverse group of stakeholders to obtain access to selected program outputs; compile LOGIC model based program reports; and synthesize program impacts.
There is no commitment by USDA to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards. CSREES anticipates awarding a single cooperative agreement for approximately $146,000 to support EIPMDSS applications in fiscal year (FY) 2007. CSREES will continue to be substantially involved with the funded project through mentorship, oversight, and the active technical assistance role of CSREES staff in all related CSREES IPM REE programs.
Please follow the link for complete information and application instructions.