Supporting IPM on MA Specialty Crop Farms Through the Integration of Applied Research and Extension Outreach

Through increased adoption and implementation of effective IPM strategies, this EIP Project supports National Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Road Map goals of achieving increased profitability while reducing human health and environmental hazards. We will address stakeholder-identified priorities by integrating applied research and outreach activities for specialty crop growers in Massachusetts. Massachusetts produces more than 70 types of specialty crops and many of the farmers we work with grow more than 30 different crops on their farms. This project will focus on whole-farm IPM approaches tailored to fit diverse specialty crop growers. Specific commodity issues identified as high priorities by growers will be addressed through our applied research and demonstration trials and outreach programs.