First generation codling moth populations have fallen over the four years since trap mapping was introduced online in Walla Walla; and overall insecticide use has decreased by >80% with transition to lower risk chemistries.
A regional conservation biological control workgroup has develped a needs assessment for Oregon, Washington, California, and Idaho that is being used to guide targeted education programs throughout these different eco-regions, and also providing justification for a portfolio of grants.
Socio-Political Impact
Murray has facilitated a number of Pacific Northwest Pest Management Strategic Plans that recommend policy, research and education prioritites to the PNW university community, USDA & USEPA.
Integrated Pest Management Strategic Planning has enabled industry wide identification of and response to IPM critical needs for eight top agricultural industries in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
The Regional IPM Network Cordination program operated with the Western IPM Center has led to the development of a coordinated and responsive network of growers, commodity group representatives, and university personnel that seeks to understand pesticide usage patterns, critical crop/pest/product combinations, and risks and mitigation strategies, in an effort to support more informed regulatory decision-making.
Pesticide usage information from Pacific Northwest stakeholders, along with feedback on various products, alternatives, risks, and mitigations, is regularly communicated to USDA/EPA through the public comment process in the form of comprehensive, formal comments. This work keeps stakeholders apprised of pertinent and relevant regulatory actions, and encourages stakeholder involvement in the regulatory process, both critical to a encouraging a regulatory system that is able to listen and respond to stakeholder needs and input.
Human Health and Well-Being
A pilot pesticide risk communication program in West Africa resulted in reduced human health risks for all the farming families that participated. This is now being scaled up to several hundred farmers. Twenty-five facilitators were trained in 2015.
Decision Support and Uncertainty
IPPC has developed the state-of-the-science pesticide risk assessment tool, ipmPRiME, which is now in use throughout the USA, and integrated within various certification programs including LIVE, Food Alliance and Salmon Safe.
