The Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 changed the way pesticides are regulated by US-EPA. The Information Networks for Pesticides and Alternative Strategies were formed to provide EPA with data that they need to make informed decisions.
Major activities of the Delaware Information Network are:
- Information Networking for Delaware stakeholders.
- Serving as an information source for federal and state partners.
- Writing Crop Profiles and Pest Management Strategic Plans (PMSP's).
Information Networking for Delaware stakeholders is accomplished through the Pesticide Briefs Newsletter which gives changes in state and federal regulations. The left-hand side bar has a link to Pesticide briefs. Sources of grants are also made to stakeholders. These sources can be found at: Funding Announcements. Information on pest updates and pest outbreaks can be found at: UD IPM Program Serving as an information source for federal and state partners is accomplished through one-on-one communications. A spread sheet showing recent Delaware responses to federal requests for pesticide information can be found at: 2-Way Flow of Pesticide Information for 2006 and Spread Sheet 2 for 2007. Federal and State partners may find UD extension professionals to answer their questions by going to: Who We Are.
Crop Profiles are descriptions of crop production and pest management recommendations. They are written by University of Delaware Extension Specialists. To read Crop Profiles, go to:
http://www.northeastipm.org/rese_profbystate.cfm
PMSP's are developed by growers, commodity associations, food processors, crop consultants, and EPA with assistance from UD Extension staff. These plans address pest management needs and priorities for individual commodities. Lima beans was the first PMSP in Delaware. The spinach PMSP was written in January, 2004 and the pickle PMSP in January, 2005. The PMSP for watermelon has been submitted to the NE IPM Center. Draft documents for the Bell & Non-Bell Pepper PMSP are available. To read PMSP's, go to: http://www.northeastipm.org/rese_pmspbystate.cfm
The Delaware Information Network for Pesticides and Alternatives Strategies program was established to:
- Promote informed regulatory decisions on registered pesticides. Emphasis will be placed on decisions related to the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA).
- Improve the level of knowledge, awareness, and understanding about pest management practices, including pesticides, and pesticide use and usage for individuals and agencies making regulatory decisions.
- Bring together key individuals to form partnerships and collaborations that will promote more informed decision-making on pest management practices including pesticide usage.
- Enhance the productivity and global competitiveness of the U.S. agricultural production system.
The Information Network Advisory Committee meets annually. IPM priorities for Delaware are given in the meeting minutes. To read past meeting minutes and agendas, select the appropriate link:
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007 minutes
2007 agenda
Individuals invited to serve on the Information Network Advisory Committee, can be found at: Advisory Committee Members
For Annual Progress Reports, select the year:
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