Integrated pest management (IPM) actually has two meanings for the organic industry. In technical terms, IPM is an action farmers and other growers can take that coordinates information regarding both pests and the environment with currently available pest control methods in order to prevent undue damage to the planet, people and property.
Generally, IPM includes pest control strategies that focuses on the least evasive pest control methods first, before moving on to chemical pest control methods. Some less evasive pest control methods include natural enemies, crop rotation, pest-free plant varieties, companion planting and pruning.
Integrated Pest Management is also a USDA/Environmental Protection Agency program that helps farmers decrease pesticide use by teaching about a variety of alternative pest control techniques.
- Learn more about the Integrated Pest Management EPA program.
- Learn more about the EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program.
IPM methods such as mechanical trapping devices, natural predators and planting pest-free rootstock are very important for organic farmers who are not allowed to use harmful pesticides on organic crops.
