Brochure

EPA 731-F-04-001
September 2004

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program

Environmental stewardship means safeguarding human health and the environment in order to sustain or improve the quality of life for ourselves and future generations. We all have a stake in the success of environmental programs that are responsible, innovative, flexible, and effective.

While most of us recognize the benefits pesticides offer, we also know that pesticides can pose risks to human health and the environment. To reduce these risks, EPA is working with the pesticide-user community through the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP), a private/public partnership.

Goals and Principles

The goal of PESP is to reduce pesticide risk in both agricultural and nonagricultural settings. While government regulation can reduce pesticide risk, PESP is guided by the principle that, even in the absence of additional regulatory mandates, the informed actions of pesticide users reduce risk even further. Based on this principle, membership in the program is completely voluntary.

By joining PESP, organizations pledge that environmental stewardship is an integral part of pest control, and they commit to working toward pesticide practices that reduce risk to humans and the environment. Members take a strategic approach to risk reduction and undertake specific, measurable activities toward achieving their risk reduction goals.

EPA recognizes the need to protect public health and the food supply with efficient, cost-effective pest control. In our role as a partner, the Agency promotes the adoption of innovative, alternative pest control practices that reduce pesticide risk. EPA also provides some financial assistance to select research and education projects that enhance pest management and reduce risk.

Benefits of Joining PESP

Joining PESP demonstrates your organization's commitment to environmental stewardship and helps you put this commitment into practice. Membership enhances public perception of your organization, constituent support, and employee morale.

Each member has an EPA employee who serves as the organization's Liaison with EPA. The Liaison can help your organization obtain information about the partnership as well as other EPA programs, policies, and procedures. As EPA develops pesticide regulations and makes decisions on pesticides, your Liaison can help communicate your organization's concerns to the Agency.

You can apply for grants that support pest management projects for reducing pesticide risk. PESP members learn about grants offered by EPA’s ten Regional Offices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other sources.

Through its annual awards, PESP publicly recognizes members that demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and achieve progress in reducing pesticide risk.

Membership

Organizations with a commitment to pesticide risk reduction are eligible to join the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, either as Partners or Supporters. Those that use pesticides or represent pesticide users are eligible to become PESP Partners. The following organizations are examples of Partners:

Artichoke Research Association
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
International Cut Flower Growers Association
Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission
New York Power Authority

Organizations that have an interest in the sustainable use of pesticides are eligible to become PESP Supporters. The following groups are examples of Supporters:

Gerber Products Company
Glades Crop Care, Inc.
IPM Institute of North America, Inc.

Both Partners and Supporters agree to develop and implement strategies to reduce pesticide risk and to report regularly on their progress.

Innovative Approaches to Pest Control

Biological pesticides target specific pests, so they generally pose little or no risk to human beings, other species or the environment. Biological pesticides include, for example —

Microbial pesticides (e.g., fungi, viruses, and bacteria), which kill insect pests or compete with disease causing bacteria.
Pheromones, which disrupt normal mating behavior or lure pests into traps.
Natural compounds, such as fine clays that control insects, or baking soda, which prevents fungal growth

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs use a wide range of practices to assure stable and economical crop production while minimizing risks to humans, animals, plants and the environment. To identify the most suitable ways to control pests, IPM weighs costs, benefits, and impacts on health and the environment. Options include prevention, monitoring, mechanical trapping devices, natural predators, biological pesticides, and, if appropriate, chemical pesticides.

How to Apply

You can apply to join PESP by taking any one of the following steps:

Go to our web site: www.epa.gov/pesp
Send us an e-mail: pesp.info@epa.gov
Send a letter to:

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program
Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)
US Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20460-0001

Contacting EPA does not obligate your organization in any way.

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children