In the next three years US-EPA will be reviewing tolerances for all organophosphates, carbamates and the EPA category B2 carcinogens. Some registrants will decide the revenues to be gained are not worth the expense of generating the new data required. Management of some pests is becoming increasing difficult due to the development of resistance to specific pesticides. There are increased expectations from consumers that farming can and should integrate resource conservation practices and provide a healthy and creative work environment. The projects listed are addressing these challenges in concrete ways.
Interested growers can become involved with a project in their area or organize a new one.
Agricultural consultants and suppliers can expand their services and supplies to support these new systems. Grower associations can help connect members with each other and with state and federal agencies interested in supporting these kinds of projects. Processors and handlers can support these projects through the standards they set. Regulatory agencies can enter into the partnerships and work with these kinds of voluntary programs. In addition, researchers can help expand the impact of the projects through investigating missing components of the systems.