Northeast Priorities

The Northeastern IPM Center engages a broad range of people and institutions to set priorities for IPM research, extension, and education projects and then to collaborate on work that will address these priorities through our Partnership Grant Program.

With input from our Advisory Council and experienced working group chairs, we developed a set of Priority-Setting Guidelines (PDF).

The efforts of the Center are organized under five signature programs where our leadership and advisory bodies see the greatest need.

• IPM and Organic Systems
• Rural and Urban IPM
• Next Generation Education
• Climate Change and Pests
• Advanced Production Systems

We recognize that there is overlap among these priorities, and some specific priorities could fit under more than one heading, so please review the entire list.

IPM and Organic Systems

The Northeastern IPM Center supports collaboration between the IPM and organic communities in order to build a more sustainable agricultural system in the Northeastern region and nationally. These two philosophies share many of the same goals as well as challenges, and have great potential to support one another and accomplish more together than what either might individually. The Center welcomes grant proposals that strengthen the knowledge, “toolbox,” or audience base for both IPM and organic agriculture or that support collaborative work to address an issue with broad regional impact.

Rural and Urban IPM

IPM works in all environments where food is produced and people live, work, and play. Crop-growing environments range from agricultural fields to residential backyards, while public buildings to private residences make up structural settings. Pests in these environments are having an impact, either through lower quality food, unhealthy conditions, or reduced integrity of the built environment. Projects using IPM techniques to produce safe, healthy, nutritious food supplies or reduce allergens to improve the indoor environment or to protect structural integrity, especially in underserved areas, are welcome.

Next Generation Education

The knowledge gained through IPM helps solve current and future societal challenges, but only if it reaches the end user. The need for trained individuals, whether undergraduate or professionals in another field, in the fundamentals of IPM will be critical in maintaining the knowledge base for the future. Programs are needed that introduce, educate or re-educate students in IPM. This can be done through online, face-to-face, and hands-on courses, research/extension projects and training.

Climate Change and Pests

Human-induced climate change is resulting in an increase in extreme weather events or a gradual rise of average annual temperatures. The Northeast is not immune to these changes and there is noticeable change in the agro- and natural ecosystems. What will changes in climate mean for the distribution and occurrences of pests? How will IPM respond to these changes and what tools will help in addressing the needs? These questions and others will require answers, which may come from scientific research and extension communities.

Advanced Production Systems

Production systems are changing with technology. Controlled traffic farming, vertical skyscraper farming, rooftop gardens, and other alternative production systems that incorporate advanced technology are not exempt from pests. Current production systems, including organic and sustainable, could benefit from the incorporation of automation, sensors, and micro-scale technologies. How will the latest technologies and advanced production systems help with the development and adoption of IPM? Biologists, engineers, computer scientists and others are working together to find out.

General IPM

Older priorities are available on our Priority Archives page. If you know of other lists that should be on this page, contact the Northeastern IPM Center.