- 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.