IPM News and Events Roundup 11/03/23
A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center
If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at jlh472@cornell.edu. If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived on our website.
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Northeastern IPM Center News
Northeastern IPM Center Opens 2024 Call for Proposals
The Northeastern IPM Center has opened its annual request for applications (RFA) for funding through two grant programs: the IPM Partnership Grants Program and the Pest Management Strategic Plans (PMSPs) and Production/Management Profiles (PMPs) Grants Program.
For both programs, the application deadline is November 9, 2023.
2023 Northeast Integrated Pest Management Research Update Conference
- Day 1: November 13, 2023, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon EST
- Day 2: November 16, 2023, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon EST
This conference hosted by the Northeastern IPM Center (NEIPMC) will feature updates from active projects funded by the NEIPMC’s Partnership Grants Program. In addition, the online conference will have updates from IPM-related projects funded through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program and USDA-NIFA’s Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) and Extension Implementation Program (EIP).
The rapid style conference will feature 5-minute pre-recorded presentations in which the speakers will discuss 1 or 2 highlights from their projects followed by a live Q and A. The purpose of the conference is to increase collaboration and awareness about current IPM-related research and extension in the Northeast in a fun way.
To participate in the conference, register at the following link:
cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7CmqZObxST6DS9UQ3XJ7yw
Upcoming StopPests Webinar in Spanish
StopPests in Housing is offering a training opportunity in Spanish. On November 14th, 1:00pm-2:15pm (eastern), Dr. Maria A. Gonzalez Morales, an indoor pest management expert from the Defense Centers for Public Health and the US Department of Defense, will be sharing the most effective ways to combat cockroaches in housing and how to avoid pesticide resistance. The presentation will help housing professionals, maintenance staff, property managers, and pest management professionals understand how to effectively reduce cockroach populations in the buildings and developments they manage with the most effective tools. Descriptions in Spanish, English, and the registration link are below. Please share with colleagues!
Register here: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6MIOfGY9TSiKOXAnqCgOxA
“Cucarachas vs Humanos: ¿Quién gana la batalla?”
Cuando: 14 de noviembre 13:00-14:15 (este)
Para registrarse presione aquí: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6MIOfGY9TSiKOXAnqCgOxA
Research in the News
Hover flies of the family Syrphidae are a highly diverse group of insects that exhibit varied life histories and provide numerous ecosystem services. Despite their importance, they are highly understudied, and many biological and distributional patterns remain unknown in regions like the midwestern United States. Data from specimens exist in regional insect collections but is largely undigitized and thus inaccessible to much of the scientific community. Here, we report our efforts to identify, recurate, and digitize thousands of specimens from the Illinois Natural History Survey Insect Collection.
FOOD CROP TOLERANCE SUCCESSES (ir4project.org)
Flonicamid (Federal Register date: September 20, 2023)
Spinetoram (Federal Register date: September 5, 2023)
Agricultural intensification and childhood cancer in Brazil (pnas.org)
Marin Elisabeth Skidmore marins@illinois.edu, Kaitlyn M. Sims, and Holly K. Gibbs
Pesticides are critical to agricultural intensification but can negatively impact human health. We show that as soy cultivation spread across Brazil, agricultural pesticide exposure was associated with increased childhood cancer mortality among the broader population indirectly exposed to these chemicals. We find that populations were exposed to pesticides through the water supply, but negative health effects were mitigated by access to high-quality cancer treatment centers. Our results support policies to strengthen pesticide regulation, especially in contexts intensifying their food production systems, and increased public health attention to pesticide exposure in the broader community.
EPA Pesticide Update
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a strategic plan to ensure that its assessments of pesticides more closely, quickly, and effectively evaluate the potential for endocrine effects in humans. These strategies will also improve EPA’s ability to protect against those effects as part of its pesticide decisions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and to implement the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) under section 408(p) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
“This plan is a major milestone in our efforts to ensure that pesticide decisions continue to protect human health,” said Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pesticide Programs for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Jake Li. “Starting with our highest priority chemicals, EPA will communicate more transparently our endocrine findings for humans, pulling from existing data when possible, and requesting new data when necessary to evaluate potential estrogen, androgen, and thyroid effects.”
The comment period for this action will open Friday, October 27. Once available, interested parties can submit data or a comment in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0474 at www.regulations.gov.
National Level Threatened and Endangered Species Biological Evaluation for Dinotefuran
National Level Threatened and Endangered Species Biological Evaluation for Acetamiprid
EPA Releases Draft Biological Evaluations of Dinotefuran and Acetamiprid Effects on Endangered Species
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing two draft biological evaluations (BEs) that include EPA’s draft effects determinations for the neonicotinoid insecticides dinotefuran and acetamiprid on federally listed endangered and threatened (listed) species and designated critical habitats. The draft BEs will be available for public comment for 60 days.
Background on Dinotefuran and Acetamiprid
Dinotefuran is an insecticide to control aphids, whiteflies, thrips, leafhoppers, scales, leaf miners, and other insects in agricultural crops such as root vegetables, leafy vegetables, berries, cereal grains, and oilseed crops (e.g., cotton). In addition to the agricultural uses, there are a wide variety of non?agricultural uses, including Christmas trees, forestry, turf, and ornamental applications.
Acetamiprid is an insecticide to control piercing sucking pests (such as aphids) on a variety of crops including fruit and fruit trees, tree nuts, vegetables, sweet corn, cotton, soybean, and tobacco, as well as non-agricultural uses such as ornamentals, nurseries, and vegetables grown for transplant.
The timing of the issuance of these draft BEs is tied to a lawsuit filed by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) against EPA on October 3, 2017, alleging that EPA violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by failing to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (the Services) on the effects to listed species of pesticide product registrations containing one of three pesticide active ingredients—acetamiprid, dinotefuran, and imidacloprid. In January 2021, EPA and NRDC agreed, through a stipulated partial settlement agreement, to resolve the claim concerning imidacloprid by requiring EPA complete a final BE with an effects determination for imidacloprid, which was released in June 2022. EPA also initiated consultation with the Services on imidacloprid. In March 2022, EPA and NRDC agreed to resolve the remaining two claims (acetamiprid and dinotefuran). Specifically, by October 2024, EPA must complete its final effects determinations and request initiation of any necessary ESA consultation from the Services on the potential effects of acetamiprid and dinotefuran on any listed species and critical habitat. EPA’s release of the draft effects determinations for these two insecticides is an important step in meeting its October 2024 commitment to complete final effects determinations.
The draft BEs will be available for public comment for 60 days in the dinotefuran docket (EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0506) and the acetamiprid docket (EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0513) on regulations.gov.
Learn more about EPA’s work on ESA and the Agency’s plans to meet its ESA obligations on the EPA website, which features interactive, visual StoryMaps about EPA’s Vulnerable Species Pilot.
News
Hochul signs bill into law on aquatic invasive species (nystateofpolitics.com | 10/27/2023)
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law that aims to better combat aquatic invasive species, two Capital Region lawmakers said Friday.
The new legislation enables town boards to further address and combat invasive aquatic invertebrate species, as they are currently only able to address invasive plants under state law.
The Growing Utility of Online Photo Sharing for Entomology Research (entomologytoday.org | 10/31/2023)
With a smartphone in so many pockets, everyone is taking pictures of the world and sharing them online. Believe it or not, in 2022 alone, there were 1.72 trillion photos taken, and 92.5 percent of those pictures were taken with a mobile phone!
But, what does that have to do with entomology?
If you’ve ever declared yourself a professional or amateur entomologist, then you know that people love sharing blurry pictures of insects with you, hoping for a quick ID. Instead of hunting down your local entomologist, for naturalists and nature-loving hobbyists, dozens of apps and websites now allow people to share pictures of plants and animals and get accurate identification from experts and enthusiasts.
Bird flu detected in Antarctic for the first time, British Antarctic Survey says (accuweather.com | 10/27/2023)
The first cases of bird flu have been detected in seabirds in the Antarctic, according to the British Antarctic Survey, raising fears the disease will spread rapidly through dense colonies of birds and mammals.
“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in brown skua populations on Bird Island, South Georgia – the first known cases in the Antarctic region,” the British Antarctic Survey said in a statement Monday.
Study explores common risks and resiliencies in farmers' mental health crisis (cbc.ca | 11/01/2023
The comprehensive review examines the results of 14 previous studies and sheds light on the shared risk factors — and common sources of hope — for farmers who are struggling.
The peer-reviewed studies come from across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and India and were based largely on interviews with surviving family members of farmers who had died.
Test Your Fields for Soybean Cyst Nematode Right After Harvest! (extension.psu.edu | 10/31/2023)
If you are a soybean grower, consider taking soil samples after harvest and have them tested for soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines). Take advantage of the free SCN testing offered to farmers in PA by the Penn State Extension Agronomy Team and with support from the Pennsylvania Soybean Board.
Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More
What’s Bugging You? First Friday Events (New York State IPM Program)
Fridays | 12:00 pm. – 12:30 p.m. EDT | Zoom | Free; registration required.
In this monthly virtual series, we explore timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. What is IPM? It's a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to not only reduce pest problems, but to also address the reasons why pests are there in the first place. Each month, our speakers will share practical information about how you can use IPM.
2023 What’s Bugging You First Friday Schedule
Join us Live on the first Friday of every month from Noon to 12:30 EST on Zoom.
- December 1: Houseplant IPM | Firewood pests
Register for upcoming events.
What’s Bugging You First Friday events are in Spanish this year. Individuals interested in these events can find more information on this website: https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/events/whats-bugging-you-webinars/conozca-su-plaga
And can register using this form: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3OQDpakcGrSd3tc
Vertebrate Pest Management Needs Assessment Survey (North Carolina State University | West Virginia University Extension)
The purpose of this survey is to collect data from professionals who provide information, advice, or educational resources to their clientele on vertebrate pest management. The researchers will use the responses to learn what resources participants currently use or distribute and determine how we can create future learning opportunities on IPM in vertebrate pest management. Target audience is extension professionals (specialists, agents/educators), state and federal wildlife agency staff, technical advisors, and other wildlife control professionals throughout the United States and its territories.
Survey to remain active until November 8, 2023
Northeast Greenhouse Conference & Expo
November 8 – 9, 2023 | Manchester, New Hampshire
The biennial Northeast Greenhouse Conference & Expo is co-sponsored by New England Floriculture, a group of grower representatives from the Northeast, augmented by university and cooperative extension staff in each state who specialize in greenhouse crops and management. Typical attendees include greenhouse growers, garden centers, retailers, nurseries?, landscapers, press, allied trade, educators, and students.
UNDERSTANDING BULLENTINS LIVE! TWO: AN OVERVIEW OF THE SYSTEM (1-hour webinar)
Thursday, November 9, 2023 @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
Endangered species protections can take the form of nationwide mitigations on the general pesticide product label or geographic-specific mitigations located in Endangered Species Protection Bulletins (Bulletins), which are accessed through EPA’s Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) website. Pesticide applicators are required to visit the BLT website when directed by a product label and follow any mitigations specified for the intended application area. When users are directed to follow them on a pesticide label, Bulletins are enforceable mitigations under FIFRA. This webinar provides an overview of the BLT system, what pesticide applicators need to know about complying with Bulletins, and how and when to access BLT and locate applicable Bulletins. Before joining, be sure to check your system requirements (https://joincheck.gotowebinar.com/?role=attendee) to avoid any connection issues. EPA is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the information it holds. By clicking the “Register” button below, you agree to receive emails from EPA regarding this webinar.
Wild Spotter Invasive Species Ambassador Training Course (Invasives Free USA)
December 5 – 7, 2023 | Coeur D’Alene, Idaho | $300
This intensive training will include: building relationships and partnerships and engaging stakeholders; branding and marketing programs; using innovative tools and technologies; and leveraging volunteer citizen-science coordination, recruitment, and retention to meet invasive species management goals and expand local community capacity for action.
This gathering will have limited attendance through a merit selection process. Priority will be given to participants who can demonstrate their commitment to building invasive species management capacity within their community.
Transition to Organic Partnership Program Releases National TOPP Website
As you've probably heard, we have been working together with other northeast states on the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) which includes mentorship, technical assistance, and community building designed to help support farmers during and after transition to organic.
There is still time to apply for mentorship for the 2023/24 cycle. If you are interested in becoming a mentor farmer or are considering transitioning your farm to organic practices and have questions or need help, please submit your interest through the links below.
I'm interested in receiving technical assistance or working with a mentor
I'm interested in becoming a paid Farmer mentor
2023 High Tunnel Production Conference | Revitalizing Your Tunnel Vision
University of Vermont, in cooperation with the Univ. of New Hampshire and Univ. of Maine, is holding a conference on high tunnel production in northern New England. The event, titled “Revitalizing Your Tunnel Vision” will be held December 6 and 7, 2023 in West Lebanon, NH. Speakers from the organizing institutions, along with specialists from Purdue University, and various regional companies and USDA agencies will present the latest best practices for high tunnel production. Hands-on sessions on insect and disease diagnosis and soil fertility will be offered as well as irrigation technologies, cover cropping, soil sterilization, market strategies, and more. As weather events become more extreme, high tunnel production is becoming the norm for many vegetable farmers. However, growing under plastic presents unique challenges. This conference will help new and experienced growers improve their crop yields and quality through better production practices.
In the morning of Day 1, a tour will be offered by the farmers of Spring Ledge Farm, in New London, NH. (https://www.springledgefarm.com). The afternoon of Day 1 will include hands-on sessions on how to id insects and diseases and interpret soil tests. Day 2 will be a full program of presentations on diverse key topics associated with growing the best crops. The event will encourage grower interactions to ensure the program addresses practical issues and will allow for grower-to-grower exchange of ideas. Pesticide re-certification credits (3 on Day 1; 3.5 on Day 2) will be awarded to attendees from states with reciprocal arrangements with New Hampshire.
The program is available at: https://www.uvm.edu/~htunnel/High%20Tunnel%20Conference%20Registration%20Flyer%20v9-28-2023.pdf
On-line registration is at: https://bit.ly/TUNNEL23
Contact Cheryl Sullivan at (802) 656-5434, cfrank@uvm.edu for details or to request a disability-related accommodation to participate.
2023 NAISMA Annual Biocontrol Summit
USING WEED BIOCONTROL TO REDUCE WILDFIRE RISK AND MITIGATE WILDFIRE IMPACTS
The North American Invasive Species Management Association’s 4th Annual Weed Biocontrol Summit will be held virtually on December 7, 2023, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CST. The Biocontrol Summit communicates the latest in classical weed biocontrol research to North American invasive plant managers and educators and aims to connect researchers to on-the-ground practitioners. This year, NAISMA is highlighting the role weed biological control can play in reducing wildfire risk and mitigating wildfire impacts throughout North America. The Biocontrol Summit integrates research and implementation of biocontrol from the regional land managers' perspective.
December 7, 2023 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (CST)
Towards Tree Species Preservation: Protecting Ash Amidst the Emerald Ash Borer Invasion
Emerald ash borer (EAB) represents the costliest invasive forest insect in US history, causing significant mortality of ash species across much of eastern North America as well as in Colorado and Oregon. Given the importance of ash to cultural lifeways of Indigenous peoples and the ecology and economies of working forest lands, there is growing interest in applying protection measures to maintain ash in forested settings. In this presentation, Anthony D'Amato and Tyler Everett will propose novel ways to sustain ash and other threatened tree species via an adaptation framework consisting of three components: preservation value, preservation approach, and preservation strategy. They will also describe three case studies illustrating how this framework is being applied to sustain ash as a cultural resource and maintain ecological function. Examples from the Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment--developed by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe--and the Maine Indian Basketmakers Alliance and Brown Ash Task Force--developed by the Wabanaki Confederacy--demonstrate partnerships and strategies for preserving the cultural integrity of black ash. An additional case study details partnerships and strategies addressing regional preservation of ash for ecological function.
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 | 4:00 pm
University of Vermont | Anthony D'Amato | Tyler Everett | University of Maine
Insect Protein Perception Survey
Please take part in our Insect Protein Perception Survey. This survey is being conducted as part of a capstone project for the Cornell University Dyson Grand Challenges program (AEM 4000) in order to gain insights of consumers perception of insect protein and willingness to change. Completion should take approximately 3-4 minutes. The results will be viewed only by the project members and AEM 4000 staff and be presented in summarized form. All responses are kept strictly confidential, with only numeric coding on the surveys.
Your feedback will help us drive positive sustainable change and understand consumer preferences regarding insect protein. Thank you!
SAVE THE DATE!
International Invasive Species and Climate Change Conference (The “IISCCC”!)
Virtual, January 30-31, 2024
NOFA-NY's 2024 Winter Conference
NOFA-NY’s Annual Winter Conference draws hundreds of farmers, food system professionals, educators, advocates, researchers, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about building a better food system.
Saturday, January 20 – Sunday, January 21, 2024
at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown
Employment Opportunities
Faculty Specialist – Entomology & IPM (Full-time; Ellicott City, Maryland)
University of Maryland Extension
University of Maryland Extension is seeking a faculty specialist to join its team at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Ellicott City, Maryland. The specialist will assist with the entomology and IPM educational programming needs of the Home and Garden Information Center, State Master Gardener Program, and county-based home horticulture faculty. Learn more or apply at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/111894
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
This position will develop and conduct educational programs and applied research projects throughout the state with an emphasis on Maine’s green industry. Maine agricultural industries of focus include floriculture, nurseries, garden centers, arboriculture, greenhouse production, and clients involved in consumer horticulture. This position works with other extension faculty, advisory boards, and commodity associations to offer programs addressing the educational needs of Maine’s landscape designers, landscape professionals, nursery growers, propagators, arborists, growers, and professional gardeners.
Review of applications to begin October 23, 2023.
Post-Doctoral Associate Position Shrewsbury Lab - Biological Control / IPM
University of Maryland – College Park
The Shrewsbury Lab is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to conduct research and Extension activities on biological control of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula. As part of a collaborative effort between UMD and USDA APHIS, the incumbent will examine the efficacy and impact of biological control approaches using pathogens and other natural enemies against SLF. The overall goal of the project is to provide less toxic and sustainable pest management tools to stakeholders. Click here for a full position description. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is identified.
Assistant Professor, Extension Specialty Crops Plant Pathologist
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville: UT Institute of Agriculture: Entomology & Plant Pathology
The recruited individual is expected to develop and deliver a vibrant, nationally recognized innovative applied research and Extension education program focused on diseases of important and emerging crops of Tennessee (e.g., fruits, vegetables, tobacco, hemp, hops). The individual will provide technical expertise on disease management, will develop an educational program(s) using traditional and innovative outreach tools for diverse audiences (e.g., Extension agents and specialists, producers, regional and state leaders, Master Gardeners), and will provide leadership in developing a specialty crop Extension and outreach programs that meet the needs of all eligible clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status. The candidate also is expected to develop an innovative applied research program of state, regional, or national importance that addresses important plant health and disease issues of specialty crops, to participate in the training and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, and to provide service to the department, university, and professional societies or organizations.
Extension Assistant Professor - Sustainable Fruit & Vegetable Production
UMass Amherst
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, Extension faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will participate as a full member of UMass faculty in a 12-month, non-tenure track appointment.
We are looking for a candidate who will develop applied research and Extension programs that will support commercial fruit and vegetable production while investigating and implementing innovative and sustainable production systems that support farm sustainability and viability. Instructional responsibilities may include courses in sustainable horticulture, fruit or vegetable production, or related courses in the candidate’s disciplinary area.
Click HERE for more information on the position and how to apply.
Review of applicants will begin November 15, 2023, and will continue until an ideal candidate is identified. Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Jaime Piñero (jpinero@umass.edu).
Assistant/Associate Extension Educator for Controlled Environment Agriculture
University of Connecticut
This full-time, 11-month appointment for a non-tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Extension Educator in CAHNR to collectively advance Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). The successful candidate is expected to develop strong working relationships with producers throughout the state; interact with UConn faculty, state, and federal agency personnel; and develop interdisciplinary extension programs. This is an off-campus, county-based position. Assignment of office location is negotiable in the northwest or northeast part of the state and requires the individual to travel.
Extension Assistant Professor - Urban Agriculture
UMass Amherst
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure track, 12-month, Extension faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. We are looking for a candidate who will develop an integrated program in urban agriculture involving Extension, teaching, and research.
Urban agriculture encompasses a wide range of skills and expertise that includes, but is not limited to, horticulture, indoor production, environmental remediation, soil health, community and urban development, nutrition, and food systems. A new faculty member would link efforts in these areas in Stockbridge, the Center for Agriculture, Food & the Environment, and the University in an urban agriculture and food systems program. The new faculty member will have the opportunity to modify and develop courses in urban horticulture and food systems in Stockbridge for both campus and online programs, and guide students in related internships.
Click HERE for more information and to apply.
Review of applicants will begin December 1, 2023, and will continue until an ideal candidate is identified. Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Daniel Cooley (dcooley@umass.edu).
Northeast SARE - Hiring Administrative Operations Coordinator
The University of Vermont seeks a full-time Administrative Operations Coordinator for the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which is funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
The Administrative Operations Coordinator oversees internal administrative operations of USDA/NIFA’s Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which funds applied research in twelve Northeast states and the District of Columbia. They co-manage the Northeast regional SARE office, to fulfill the University of Vermont’s obligations as a host institution for the SARE program. This involves: supervising 4 administrative staff located at UVM; collaborating with the Director to manage relationships with UVM departments and administration and to setup the cooperative agreement with NIFA; overseeing contracting processes with all grantees; serving as staffing coordinator for Northeast SARE; coordinating the organization’s policies and procedures; and overseeing the budget of five concurrent cooperative agreements with USDA by monitoring available funds, allocations made by the Administrative Council, operating expenses, and funds awarded in seven different programs.
Northeast SARE Grant Administrator (Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia & Greene Counties, NY)
The Grant Administrator provides leadership for recruitment, review, award, and implementation of the Graduate Student and Research for Novel Approaches grant programs funded by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. The Grants Administrator supports Northeast SARE’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals including engagement with under-served communities. They collaborate to develop and improve policies and procedures in support of Northeast SARE grant program effectiveness and commitment to the organization’s outcome statement.
Nursery Inspector/Entomologist I
A Nursery Inspector/Entomologist I position is currently available in the Division of Plant Industry, NH Dept. Agriculture, Markets & Food. The position is open Until November 23rd, or until filled. The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food is hiring an entomologist or plant pathologist to assist with nursery inspections and certification programs. This is a statewide position and works with regulatory staff and industries to protect New Hampshire agriculture and the environment from plant pests and diseases.
For the job description and more information for working for the State of New Hampshire, please visit: https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/Employment.aspx. The job ID# is 35013
This position is with the Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB), and is located at Forest Glenn Annex, Silver Spring MD.
- Serve as the senior entomologist and technical expert with the Strategy and Information Division (SID), Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB).
- Receive, evaluate, research, coordinate, and prepares interim and final responses to inquiries pertaining to tactical herbicides locations from various offices.
- Provide instruction on technical work matters and integrate the work of other team members to produce a consistent, unified, and practical product.
- Oversee information product materials, including updating, editing, and reviewing technical guides, Department of Defense Instructions (DoDI’s), Department of Defense Manuals (DoDM’s), Website, and Disease Vector Ecology Profiles (DVEPS).
Funding Opportunities
Regional IPM centers 2024 calls for proposals/requests for applications (RFAs)
- North Central IPM Center: Submission deadline Friday, November 17, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Eastern
- Northeastern IPM Center: Submission deadline Thursday, November 9, 2023
- Southern IPM Center: Submission deadline Friday, November 17, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Eastern
- Western IPM Center: RFA opening October 4. Submission deadline Friday, December 8, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Pacific
Regional IPM Centers Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) RFA's
New IPM Funding for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Available
The Regional IPM Centers today are releasing three new diversity-focused funding opportunities with a total of about $200,000 available nationally. Specifically, the Centers are offering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility grants, fellowships and mini-grants.
The goal of the Regional IPM Centers' DEIA grants and fellowships are to make diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility both essential and commonplace within the IPM community.
Here are the details:
- DEIA Grants: $120,000 available with awards up to $20,000 each. Applications will be considered as received, through January 31,2024 or until funds are exhausted.
- DEIA Fellowships: Up to eight fellowships of up to $6,000 each will be awarded. Individuals eligible to apply should belong to the faculty, staff or student body of an 1890, 1994, HBCU or HSI institution and should be actively involved in integrated pest management or plant health activities. Applications will be considered as received until funds are exhausted.
- DEIA Mini-Grants: Up to $30,000 available with awards of up to $5,000 each. Applications will be considered as received until funds are exhausted.
For all three programs, the proposed work or grant activities must be completed by September 17, 2024.
There will be a Zoom meeting on November 7, 2023, at 11 AM ET/10 AM CT to answer questions and
provide more information. Sign up here: DEIA RFA Q&A Registration
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas for this grant prior to applying, please
contact DEIA Director, Dr. Katie Hartmann: kh4@iastate.edu.
Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Program 2024 Call for Proposals
The online system for submitting your 2024 Farmer Grant Proposal is now open.
The SARE Grant Management System (projects.sare.org) is for more than proposals, it’s a powerful tool grantees use throughout their projects, feel free to click around and get comfortable. Don’t wait to submit your proposal. You can unsubmit, edit, and resubmit as many times as you need.
The Call for 2024 Northeast SARE Farmer Grants is available here. Approximately $800,000 has been allocated to fund projects for this grant cycle. Awards of up to $30,000 are available, depending on the complexity of a project. The online system for submitting proposals is here.
Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on November 14, 2023.
Northeast SARE covers the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.
Specialty Crop Multi-State Program
Program Purpose
The SCMP supports collaborative multi-state partnerships to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through competitively funded projects The focus is to address regional or national level specialty crop issues, including food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets.
Project Area Types
Multi-state partners must develop projects that bring together teams for solutions to practical problems that cross State boundaries and address the needs of specialty crop growers in the areas of food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion.
All project area types are 3-year projects with funding ranging between $250,000 and $1,000,000. Available Funding Approximately $10 million will be available to fund SCMP projects in FY 2023.
Eligibility
Entities residing in a participating state must apply through their State Department of Agriculture. Entities residing in a participating state are ineligible to apply directly to AMS.
Entities in a non-participating state may apply to AMS directly or choose to contact an adjacent participating state to apply on behalf of the entity.
Non-profits entities must apply directly to AMS.
All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated, and located within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
NIFA Invests $19.6M in Crop Protection and Pest Management
The Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program addresses high priority issues related to pests, including insects, nematodes, pathogens, and weeds, and their management using IPM approaches at the state, regional and national levels.
The CPPM program supports projects that will increase food security and respond effectively to other major societal challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. The CPPM program addresses pest management challenges with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally sound IPM practices and strategies supporting more vital communities.
The CPPM program provides support in three program areas:
Applied Research and Development Program Area (ARDP)
Extension Implementation Program Area (EIP)
Regional Coordination Program Area (RCP)
Agency Name: Environmental Protection Agency
Description: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been widely used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS are resistant to environmental and metabolic degradation and can build up in the environment and the human body over time [1]. The substances may be found in soil, air, water, and food as well as in materials in homes or workplaces (e.g., fire extinguishing foam, food packaging, biosolids, personal care packaging, etc.) [2,3]. Due to their widespread use, most people in the United States have been exposed to some level of PFAS. Exposure to certain PFAS may lead to detrimental health impacts including reproductive effects, developmental effects, increased risks of cancers, weakening of the immune system, and endocrine system disruption [4,5]. Agriculture and PFAS chemicals can intersect through soil, air, and water. These resources may be contaminated through dust particles, application of biosolid residues, and leaching [6,7,8,9].
A large portion of current PFAS research has prioritized data generation and information collection through theoretical science instead of practical application. Identifying, characterizing, and understanding PFAS uptake within agricultural environments will provide vital information related to exposure pathways and will help inform the development of scalable solutions. Research is essential to increase knowledge related to biological uptake in agricultural and rural settings, improve farm viability, and to explore approaches to understand PFAS accumulation in plants and animals. Future research should build upon previous foundations and develop science that has the potential to guide scalable on-farm solutions. Further research is needed to explore the exposure mechanisms of PFAS, develop mitigation strategies, and increase the general knowledge of PFAS and its health risks.
EPA is soliciting novel research that proposes innovative and multidisciplinary approaches to better understand PFAS uptake in plants and animals in agricultural environments. PFAS mitigation and contamination prevention strategies should also be an aspect of the research.
Armed Forces Pest Management Board - FY24 Deployed Warfighter Protection (DWFP) Program
The Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB) invites pre-proposal applications for the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Deployed Warfighter Protection (DWFP) Program, for research projects up to 3 years and up to US $975,000. Pre-proposals should describe original, innovative research designed to develop new interventions for the protection of deployed military personnel from medically relevant pests including arthropod disease vectors. The program supports the product development of: (1) new toxicants or the adaptation of existing toxicants to medically relevant pests; (2) new insecticide application techniques; (3) new personal protection tools for bite prevention; (4) new decision support tools and (5) surveillance tools that link to improved vector control outcomes. Research should be product-oriented, consisting of advanced research related to a particular technology or new capability, field evaluation of products for military uses, or research directed towards the development of an existing prototype product for future commercialization and U.S. EPA registration (as appropriate).
The FY24 DWFP pre-proposal package is due 12 December 2022. The package consists of a fillable PDF pre-proposal form and project summary slide (i.e., quad chart).
For more information, see the FY24 DWFP Pre-Proposal Announcement and Broad Agency Announcement AFPMB-BAA-24-01 here. The FY24 DWFP Pre-Proposal Announcement is also attached to this message. For scientific questions, contact Dr. Gabriela Zollner at osd.pentagon.ousd-atl.mbx.afpmb-dwfp@mail.mil (do not reply to this message). Due to the high volume of messages, allow 2-4 business days for a response.
For technical issues with forms, contact the AFPMB Webmaster at osd.pentagon.ousd-atl.mbx.afpmb@mail.mil.