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How Public-Private Partnerships Work
Ranchers in California set aside portions of their farms for collaborative studies on methyl bromide alternatives for strawberries such as biologically based methods for weed and disease control.
During the past decade EPA has formed partnerships with a wide range of organizations to test pest control practices that reduce pesticide risk. We understand that the only way to encourage growers to adopt new pest control practices is to demonstrate that such practices can control serious pests and, also, save growers money. Rather than test such practices ourselves and educate growers afterwards, EPA is working with the agricultural community in many parts of the country to develop and evaluate pest control practices that reduce pesticide risk.
The vast majority of these partnerships are between EPA and agricultural associations or grower groups at the national, state, or local levels. These partnerships are completely voluntary and separate from the Agency's regulatory responsibilities. Because of this, organizations that manufacture or sell pesticides are not eligible to join EPA's partnership programs. In some cases, EPA funds projects through other organizations, such as the American Farmland Trust (with additional financial support from Pew Charitable Trusts) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.
Our public-private partnerships are built on a working relationship based on mutual trust, respect, and the sharing of information. The outcomes of partnership projects benefit not only growers who save money by using less conventional pesticides; they also benefit the general public who face less risk from pesticide residues on food and, in some places, in ground water used for drinking water and in air pollution. The environment also is better protected from chemicals that run off into surface waters, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and bays, and threaten wildlife habitats.