Each year, those of us associated with the Statewide IPM Project review the mission of our program. Interestingly, our analysis of the pest management issues facing California continues to support the mission given to us by those who proposed and helped establish the program in 1979. The organizational structure of the IPM Project was not typical of most University of California efforts of that time, which were strongly disciplinary-based and administered within rigid administrative units. Rather, our structure evolved to foster cooperation and teamwork, provide flexibility for identifying and responding to priority issues, bridge traditional campus research and county Extension boundaries, blur distinctions between academics with different types of positions, and establish networks with individuals and organizations outside of the University to provide relevant, science-based pest management information. The current DANR planning effort has been underway since April 1995, and has involved dozens of DANR academics and over 150 external constituents.
Programs are adaptable, flexible, and responsive to high priorities.
There is a very strong local or county connection for delivery of DANR programs. Administration is efficient and responsive to programs. There is a continuum between research and extension. There is public understanding and support for DANR programs. What is striking about these criteria is how closely they fit the structure and programmatic activities that have evolved for the IPM Project.