Stakeholder Priorities

The Northeastern IPM Center engages a broad range of people and institutions to set priorities for IPM research, extension, and education projects and then to collaborate on work that will address these priorities through our Partnership Grant Program.

With input from our Advisory Council and experienced working group chairs, we developed a set of Priority-Setting Guidelines.

The Center has established the following overarching priorities, under which direct references to groups contributing more specific priorities are shown:

We recognize that there is overlap among these priorities, and some specific priorities could fit under more than one heading, so please review the entire list.

Wicked Biological Problems

Increasingly, major pests and pest-related management challenges are coming to the forefront in many crop and non-crop systems. Pollinator decline, pest resistance, and invasive species have brought the need for new approaches that incorporate broader thinking and multidisciplinary teams. The Northeastern IPM Center welcomes projects to advance our understanding of these and other especially challenging biological topics that will lead to eventual solutions.

Most Recently Submitted Priorities

Insects

Synergizing IPM and Organic

Our Center is interested in the intersection of IPM and organic methods. Propose a project that strengthens the knowledge, “toolbox,” or audience base for both integrated pest management and organic agriculture or that supports collaborative work to address an issue with broad regional impact. Your project should involve representatives from both the IPM and organic fields working together toward a sustainable outcome.

Rural and Urban IPM

IPM works in all environments where food is produced and people live, work, and play. Crop-growing environments range from agricultural fields to residential backyards, while public buildings to private residences make up structural settings. Pests in these environments are having an impact, either through lower quality food, unhealthy conditions, or reduced integrity of the built environment. Projects using IPM techniques to produce safe, healthy, nutritious food supplies or reduce allergens to improve the indoor environment or to protect structural integrity, especially in underserved areas, are welcome.

Most Recently Submitted Priorities

Fruit

Vegetables

  • Beets - New York Vegetable Research Council (2014)
  • Cabbage - NYS Cabbage Research and Development Program Board of Directors (2013)
  • Carrots - New York Vegetable Research Council (2014)
  • Cross Commodity - New York Vegetable Research Council (2014)
  • Dry Beans - New York processing vegetable growers (2013)
  • Onions - New York State Onion Industry Council (2012)
  • Peas - New York Vegetable Research Council (2014)
  • Snap Beans and Lima Beans - New York Vegetable Research Council (2014)
  • Sweet Corn - New York processing vegetable growers (2013)

Community and Structural

Climate Change and Pests

Human-induced climate change is resulting in an increase in extreme events or a gradual rise of average annual temperatures. The Northeast is not immune to these changes and there is noticeable change in the agro- and natural ecosystems. What will changes in climate mean for the distribution and occurrences of pests? How will IPM respond to these changes and what tools will help in addressing the needs?

Advanced Production Systems

Production systems are changing with technology. Controlled traffic farming, vertical skyscrape farming, roof top gardens, and other alternative production systems that incorporate advanced technology are not exempt from pests. Current production systems, including organic and sustainable, could benefit from the incorporation of automation, sensors, and micro-scale technologies. How will the technologies and advanced production systems help advance the development and adoption of IPM?

General IPM

Older priorities are available on our Priority Archives page. If you know of other lists that should be on this page, contact the Northeastern IPM Center.