As a result of the weekly newsletter, trials and demonstrations growers are better able to make sound management decisions based on proven research. They are reducing pesticides, increasing production/profits while doing so in a sustainable, safe way to the environment. Sweet corn growers use IPM information to time or reduce pesticide sprays on their crops; 2000 acres of sweet corn are affected. Tomato producers are able to increase production, with higher quality on less acreage, using fewer pesticides. Over 200 acres of tomato production are affected. The potato leafhopper trial enables organic potato growers to select varieties that will withstand leafhopper damage and increase productions and profits. Over 800 acres of potatoes are affected by this work. The newsletter information reaches 500+ commercial vegetable growers giving them timely information that will enable them to reduce pesticides, increase productivity through reduce loss and increase quality.
impact statement issue
Commercial vegetable producers, both conventional and organic, face many pressures to remain competitive within the industry. Vegetable growers in New York, both fresh market and wholesale, face strong competition. The market demands high quality at a low price while expecting all the food safety issues to be satisfied. Vegetable producers want information on pest and production practices that will aid them in making better management decisions. They must trust that this information will accomplish their need to reduce pesticides, increase profitability and satisfy food safety, and environmental marketplace demands.
impact statement response
Multiple techniques have been employed to bring the commercial vegetable growers of New York the integrated pest management information they need and are looking for. During the summer, twilight educational meetings are held every month during the growing season in counties throughout eastern New York. Field trials and demonstrations also are carried out throughout the region. Cornell facility are invited to talk about their research, and growers share their success in various production techniques. The Pest Status Report (PSR), a weekly email newsletter is sent out to over 200 vegetable growers throughout New York. The PSR covers information found from scouting farms from the southern region of eastern New York up to the Canadian border. The PSR also includes information from other extension educators, trap catch results from throughout eastern New York and grower comments. A monthly “Vegetable IPM Newsletter” is also produced going to most of the eastern New York counties.
impact statement summary
Using IPM approaches, New York's vegetable farmers are able to make sound pest management decisions, thus reducing pesticides, increasing profits, and sustaining a safe and plentiful food supply.
