 |
 |
| What
IPM Is Not
- IPM is not a rigid program of management techniques. While
the tactics and treatment thresholds may vary, successful IPM
strategies can be developed for any level of crop production or
any commodity regardless of economic value.
- IPM is not organic farming. While IPM seeks to minimize or optimize
the use of high risk synthetic pesticides, it recognizes that
pesticides will be needed to maintain highly productive agriculture
for the forseeable future and pesticides are currently the best
option available for certain situations. IPM selects pesticides
that are effective, economical and least disruptive to the production
system. Organic farmers are prevented from using some of the low
risk techniques and technologies available to IPM growers simply
because they are synthetic.
- IPM is not low input, low yield farming. IPM strategies can
be developed for any level of production or any commodity. IPM
evaluations over the years generally indicate that IPM maintains
or increases yields while reducing production costs resulting
in increased net profits.
- IPM is not being tied to any certain companies products or services
but rather seeks current, unbiased, science-based information
to solve problems.
- IPM is not static but rather advances the understanding of agricultural
systems and the intelligent use of existing and new technologies
through research and demonstrations on growers farms. IPM seeks
to put the best science and the best management practices available
to work on growers farms.
- IPM is not risky but rather scientific studies and farmer evaluations
indicate that IPM reduces economic, human health and economic
risks associated with farming.
- IPM is not scouting one field on the farm and using the information
to treat all fields on the farm alike.
- IPM is not doing something just because a neighbor is or someone
at the coffee shop is talking about it.
|
|
