Funding Opportunities

EPA's Region 1 (New England) and Region 3 (DE, MD, PA, VA, WV, and DC) are seeking applications for the Strategic Agricultural Initiative, which promotes the use of less pesticide, reduced risk pesticides, alternative methods of agricultural pest control, and sustainable practices in food production. For more information, see Region 1 request here (applications due March 10); see Region 3 request here (applications due January 30).

CSREES has released the request for applications for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI). Letters of intent are due March 23, and applications are due April 15. For more information, visit the SCRI summary page.

Here's the Plan: IPM in All U.S. Schools by 2015

A new, nationwide plan aims to reduce pest and pesticide-related hazards to children in the U.S. public schools by 2015. This pest management strategic plan was developed with support from the Regional IPM Centers, USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, the U.S. EPA, and the IPM Institute. Read more and download the complete plan here, or help to spread the word by sharing a press release.

NOFA Course in Organic Land Care

The curriculum for this 30-hour course is based on NOFA's Standards for Organic Land Care: Practices for Design and Maintenance of Ecological Landscapes. Two course sessions remain: Feb 17-20 and 23 in Schodack, NY, and Feb 25-27 and March 2-3 in Providence, RI. Visit the course web site for details.

IPM and the City

Urban areas can harbor pests like rats, cockroaches, bed bugs, and mosquitoes, with results ranging from nuisance problems to serious health risks. Find out about several new IPM projects that are helping to reduce risks in urban and community settings.