Vermont IPM Extension Implementation Program 2024-2027
Program Approach
The Vermont IPM Extension Implementation Program is closely aligned with expertise led by specialists at ̽̽, provides effective outreach for diverse crops and audiences, and has forged strong collaborative relationships with state, regional, and national stakeholders, partner agencies, and Extension colleagues to reduce pesticide use, reduce pest and disease losses, decrease production costs, and reduce human and environmental risks.
Program Area efforts are focused on three objectives:
- Promote new IPM tools and tactics for established practitioners
- Increase IPM awareness and adoption for new audiences
- Develop the next generation IPM scientists and educators
Agronomic Crops
Vermont field and forage farmers are developing new business models to overcome disruptive fluctuations in commodity markets, climate, and farm economics. These new models are focused on building markets with local flour and feed mills, malt houses, distilleries, breweries, and dozens of other food businesses. The need for local, organic, non-GMO, and/or regeneratively grown grains continues to increase and although New England boasts vibrant organic dairy and vegetable sectors, it lags other regions in local grain production. As farmers work towards meeting these market demands they are experiencing new and increased pest pressures because of the changing climate, adoption of new crops, and requirements of new markets. Over the last five years, farms throughout Vermont have experienced reduced yields and quality due to intense disease and weed pressure related to increased rain events and erratic climate fluctuations. Providing IPM education and outreach to farmers as they work to adopt new crops, meet new markets’ demands, and build resiliency to climate fluctuations is critical to maintain and enhance farm viability, food security, and environmental health. For 20 years, the ̽̽ Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program team has provided critical and timely IPM outreach and education to a diversity of farms throughout Vermont. The team provides field crop and hay/pasture production farmers statewide with up-to-date research and educational materials through a variety of media outlets including the Crop and Soil Blog (225 users), YouTube video channel (38,000 followers), and social media presence (2500 followers), and by hosting over 40 outreach education events attracting over 2000 stakeholders each year. In 2023, Vermont field and forage farmers reported 38% yield and quality loss due to seed, foliar, and head diseases. Grain samples submitted to the ̽̽ Cereal Grain Testing Laboratory indicated 48% of samples were above the 1% DON (vomitoxin) threshold for human consumption. IPM strategies to manage Fusarium head blight as well as other grain diseases are critical. A recent study by Co-PDs Darby and Hazelrigg identified six key seedborne and foliar pathogens affecting grain health with farm-saved seed having the highest severity of seedborne disease. In a 2022 survey of organic grain growers in the Northeast, 91% said they were interested in receiving more education about weed, disease, and insect identification and management to grow a successful crop. Since 2017, Vermont acreage in soybean production has increased by more than 100% due to local demand from the livestock industry. Managing pests is a challenge for soybean and dry bean growers. Seedborne pathogens provide a source of destructive diseases and limiting these pathogens before sowing can reduce root rots and foliar, pod and seed diseases. All Vermont farmers surveyed also reported being concerned about emerging pests (e.g. soybean cyst nematode, stem borers, midges, sudden death syndrome) reported in other bean growing regions. Farmers are also increasingly concerned about how regenerative practices (e.g. cover crops, no-till, organic amendments) impact pests and management approaches. A 2022 survey of grain growers documented that 52% of respondents felt that conservation practices were linked to increased difficulty in managing pest problems. All respondents were interested in learning how to best manage pests in conservation and regenerative systems. The VT EIP Agronomy Priority Area will identify the diseases and pests that challenge Vermont growers. Farmers will learn to identify pests in their fields, learn if their seed sources are disease free, and learn the best agronomic practices to minimize pest damage in a variety of production systems. Our goal is to help farmers design robust crop systems that successfully address pest challenges to produce a diversity of food and feed grains while minimizing impacts on the environment.
Objective 1. Promote New IPM Tools and Tactics for Established Practitioners
- Field Days and Winter Conferences: Three Field Days per year (50 farmers/event) and two Winter Conferences per year (150 farmers/event) will highlight IPM scouting strategies, pest identification tools, monitoring, and management strategies for a variety of crops and production systems (soybeans, organic, regenerative, etc.). Conference proceedings and meeting videos will be posted to the Northwest Crops and Soils Program website.
- Pest Management Demonstrations: Two demonstrations (30 attendees/event) per year will highlight strategies to minimize neonicotinoids dusts from planters and relevant technology (such as forecasting tools) that can help to predict pest pressure.
- Seed Quality Testing: 25 farmers per year will be offered annual seed quality and seedborne disease testing through the ̽̽ Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic for grains and beans over three years. Results with information on how to reduce pathogens in seed lots will be provided to the grower to promote certified seed use or cleaning of seed when disease is present.
- Extension Outreach Education Outputs: A Soybean IPM Guide including pest ID, lifecycle and management tools (in 2026); Two IPM blog posts per year with scouting information, identification and IPM strategies for a broad range of crops; Two IPM Webinars: IPM and Conservation Practices (in 2025) and Soybean IPM (in 2026) will discuss critical pest information identified by the farmers to improve scouting and management (50 attendees/event).
Objective 2. Increase IPM Awareness and Adoption for New Audiences
- Soybean Disease Survey: Survey pests in 10 soybean fields with at least one field scouted bi-weekly (in 2025, 2026) will be used to produce outreach materials. Scouting reports will be shared on the grain grower listserv.
Program Area Websites
Specialty Crops: Tree Fruit & Grapes
Tree fruit and grapes are essential components of Vermont’s specialty crops industries, with a total annual value over $25 million generated from over 2000 acres of orchards and vineyards (USDA NASS, 2022). Vermont tree fruit and grape growers have a critical need for IPM information, with an evolving complex of over 25 major disease, 40 arthropod, and diverse weed pests each that require season-long management programs that integrate cultural, biological, and chemical strategies in a horticulturally and economically appropriate framework (Northeastern IPM Center, 2021; Wilcox et al., 2015). Vermont fruit growers are well-versed in IPM implementation; however, important shortcomings remain. Web-based decision support systems, mainly the Cornell University-operated Network for Environmental and Weather Applications (NEWA) platform, are frequently used by growers to implement IPM on their farms, but they must be integrated with local interpretation and guidance to be most effective. The ̽̽ Extension Fruit Program maintains 16 on-farm and 6 airport NEWA network weather stations to support IPM decision-making that integrates weather data, pest models, and knowledge of the pest and crop biology to improve pest management. The program also supports on-farm pest and disease monitoring programs on up to 10 farms annually and maintains Vermont Apple (160 members) and Vermont Grape (297 members) listservs. In 2023 surveys, all responding apple growers reported improved timing of pest management and confidence in making pest management decisions, increased profitability, and decreased pesticide use because of IPM information received. Grape growers responding to a similar survey reported decreased pesticide use (83% of respondents) and increased profitability (62%) as a result of receiving IPM information (T. Bradshaw, unpub.) These growers are successful in attaining IPM goals of protecting their crops while reducing pesticide use. Support for IPM professionals is critically important as the number of research and extension faculty and staff have declined at land grant universities over the past two decades (T. Bradshaw, 2013). For over 80 years, ̽̽ has hosted annual regional IPM professional meetings. In 2010, 69 professionals attended and by 2023, 20 were in attendance. Delays in replacing faculty researchers and extension educators and sometimes inevitable decisions to not fill positions makes it more important that existing staff be allowed time to develop relationships, discuss challenges in their field, and identify possible collaborations. For several years the ̽̽ Extension Fruit Program has hosted the Northeast Tree Fruit IPM Working Group annual meeting to share experiences and develop research and outreach ideas into actionable programs supporting producers. Attendees rate this meeting very highly in post-meeting surveys. In 2023, all respondents indicated an increase in IPM knowledge because of participation and reported sharing that knowledge with their grower stakeholders. Members reported feeling more connected with other professionals through working group activities (95% of respondents), but only 19% reported having a ‘mentor’ within the group. New group members especially reported great professional satisfaction from participation in the working group. “As a relative newcomer to the tree fruit world, the connections and collaborations made possible through my involvement with this group have been extremely valuable.” The meeting has received modest and intermittent financial support since 2010 (Northeastern IPM Center, 2024b), although the meeting and the group’s activities are largely funded through each member’s discretionary Extension and grant-related funds. In a recent academic review, the ̽̽ Plant and Soil Science (PSS) department (agricultural undergraduate and graduate programs) identified substantial interest from current students and recent graduates in Extension-focused instruction, as well as a lack of opportunities for those students to receive that training. In the past three years, enrollment in PSS majors increased 130%, which presents a critical mass of interested students who would benefit from professional training in Extension activities. For four years, the ̽̽ Extension Fruit Program Director has mentored undergraduate IPM interns as workers at the campus farm who assist with data collection, website development, and media production for the program, but have not had opportunity for formal education in Extension programming. The VT EIP Specialty Crops Tree Fruit & Grapes Priority Area will lead the Northeast Tree Fruit IPM Working Group to support early-career IPM workers. To train the next generation of IPM scientists and educators this project will create an Extension undergraduate IPM intern program and support one graduate student. The project will continue to maintain the Vermont NEWA network, provide on-farm scouting and consultations, and share information through electronic newsletters, in-person meetings, and webinars. Our goal is to increase farm profitability, improve adoption of IPM practices that reduce pesticide use, and educate IPM professionals who will be the next generation of leaders in the field.
Objective 1. Promote New IPM Tools and Tactics for Established Practitioners
- Workshops: Annual workshops in Vermont for tree fruit (70 producers/event) and grape (40 growers/event) and support of the biennial New England Fruit and Vegetable Meeting (1400 attendees) will focus on IPM tactics, implementation, and on-farm assessment.
- Northeast Tree Fruit IPM Working Group: ̽̽ will chair annual meetings (40/event) that will provide resources for improved summary, curation, and sharing of materials developed; increase member communications throughout the year; and enhance collection and analysis of impact data from collaborations.
- Extension Outreach Education Outputs: At least fifty outreach communications (160 apple, 297 grape recipients) will provide timely information to growers integrating site- and region-specific weather and pest models provided by the Vermont network of Cornell University’s Network for Environmental and Weather Applications (NEWA), commercial orchard and vineyard monitoring, and information provided by crop advisors.
Objective 3. Develop the Next Generation of IPM Scientists and Educators
- Program Intern, Program Graduate: One undergraduate IPM intern per year and one graduate student will assist with all Priority Area aspects to support orchard and vineyard scouting, on-farm research, development of IPM recommendations, coordination of regional activities through Northeast Tree Fruit IPM Working Group, and project deliverables (e.g., editing digital videos, website, and other outputs). Graduate student experience will prepare for professional IPM career.
Program Area Websites
Specialty Crops: Greenhouse & High Tunnel
Floricultural/horticultural specialty crops and vegetables were ranked 4th and 5th respectively in Vermont’s overall market value of agriculture products in 2017, generating ~$50 million for the state’s economy (USDA Census of Agriculture, 2018). Of the total 6,808 farms in Vermont, 14% produced vegetables or floricultural specialty crops (VAAFM, 2020). In 2017, over $5.2 million was generated from sales of food crops grown under glass or other protection (USDA NASS, 2020). High-tunnel vegetable production has grown significantly in recent years in response to our changing climate, with more extreme, unpredictable weather. Since 2010, the USDA NRCS funded construction of over 400 high tunnels in the state, totaling 1 million square feet (23 acres) of protected crop land (VAAFM, 2020). Over 73% of Vermont’s farms are fewer than 180 acres, most of which are diversified, family-owned operations where high-value specialty crops such as ornamentals and high-tunnel vegetable production are critical for their economic survival. Over 30% of the state’s farmers are new or beginning producers (<10 years) (USDA NASS, 2021). They lack expertise in IPM, skills that are essential for successful crop production. High tunnel environments allow crops to thrive but also provide favorable conditions for insect pests and disease. The number of farms that treated insect pests with chemicals declined by ~15% from 2012 to 2017, reflecting grower motivation to reduce their reliance on insecticides (Skinner, pers. com.). It’s not that there are fewer pests, but more growers are opting out of using these products. This is why grower training for broader adoption of IPM is so important. The goal of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is to increase access to locally grown, high-quality healthy produce, but this can only be achieved if growers receive support from Extension to combat pests and improve production practices. The ̽̽ Extension Greenhouse IPM Program, established in 1996, is very popular and respected among growers, and through their outreach efforts an 80-90% drop in chemical pesticide use by the larger operations has been noted (Skinner, pers.com.). Greenhouse and high tunnel IPM websites (>2,500 users) and two regional email listservs (>3,500 subscribers) link growers across northern New England. The program hosts the Tri-State Greenhouse IPM Workshop series and the “IPM First and Forever” individualized hands-on training program for growers. Through these two activities the program has reached over 2,800 growers. Because of the program’s success introducing and encouraging adoption of IPM by growers, we have expanded it to the high-tunnel vegetable sector. The Tri-State Greenhouse IPM Workshops have been held for 26 years in ME, NH and VT. Growers report that these events have been instrumental in their broader use of IPM. According to the 2023 attendee survey, 77% learned new techniques they will use in the future, including how to time biocontrol agent releases and integrate them with pesticides. Our 2023 High Tunnel Conference reached 150 growers, Extension specialists, and service providers. Based on the exit evaluation, attendees increased their knowledge of insect identification and disease management by at least 20%. The VT EIP Specialty Crops Greenhouse & High Tunnel Priority Area will expand IPM adoption among new and experienced growers through one-on-one training, on-site demonstrations and workshops; emphasizing use of IPM to reduce economic losses and increase crop quality. We will advocate for careful use of biorational pesticides and discourage reliance on broad-spectrum chemical insecticides. We will teach undergraduate IPM interns basic IPM techniques and teach them how to transfer knowledge to growers effectively as next generation IPM scientists and educators. Our goal is to address growers’ pest and disease management needs while improving environmental sustainability and profitability of the greenhouse and high tunnel industries locally and regionally.
Objective 1. Promote New IPM Tools and Tactics for Established Practitioners
- Winter Conferences: One Tri-State Greenhouse IPM Workshop per year (70 growers/event) and one biennial High Tunnel Conference (150 growers/event) for growers in ME, NH and VT will include presentations and hands-on training on insect and disease IPM topics.
- Pest Management Demonstrations: Two demonstration events per year (100 growers/event) at greenhouse and high-tunnel vegetable operations will include hands-on sessions on insect and disease IPM topics encouraging grower-to-grower exchange of knowledge.
- Extension Outreach Education Outputs: Two factsheets per year on basic and advanced IPM topics for distribution across the region; “High and Dry” quarterly newsletter (4,000) will provide regional high tunnel growers with seasonally appropriate information on production and IPM topics including biocontrol, pest and disease identification and biology, irrigation, sanitation, etc.
Objective 2. Increase IPM Awareness and Adoption for New Audiences
- IPM First and Forever: Three high tunnel vegetable operations (“new” growers with <10yr experience) will be recruited per year to receive on-farm training (1-3 visits/year) in pest/disease identification, scouting, biological control, integration of biorational pesticides, and habitat plantings to support natural enemies and pollinators. Training will be tailored to the specific needs identified by the growers, rather than following a standard curriculum. Five greenhouse ornamentals operations will continue to receive on-farm training (1-2 visits/year) to train new employees and address emerging pest IPM issues.
Objective 3. Develop the Next Generation of IPM Scientists and Educators
- Program Post Doc: One postdoctoral fellow will assist with all Priority Area aspects, including scouting greenhouses, working with growers, coordinating annual meetings, preparing handouts, newsletters and IPM factsheets.
Program Area Websites
Animal Agriculture
Pest and parasite infestations represent a significant challenge to the efficient raising of cattle on pastures. Internal (worms, coccidia) and external (flies, ticks) pests and parasites are transmitted in the pasture environment, and clinical disease is usually prevented through the application of a range of systemic and topical pesticides. However, the economic impact of subclinical parasitism remains significant, and can be a considerable problem for producers wishing to reduce pesticide inputs. Damage from arthropod pests and internal parasites of dairy and beef cattle in the US have been estimated to exceed $2.26 and $3 billion respectively in annual losses. The costs associated with chemical treatment are not just the monetary value of pesticides but include the development of resistance resulting in treatment failure and non-target environmental impacts. For example, house flies collected from dairies in the Northeast were highly resistant to two commonly used pyrethroid insecticides and multispecies internal parasite resistance to macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics have been reported. Residues of livestock pesticides are deposited onto pastures in cattle dung where they retain nontarget insecticidal properties for up to 180 days. The toxic impacts on important invertebrate communities that inhabit the dung, such as dung beetles, parasitoid wasps, and beneficial flies, have been well studied (Sands and Wall, 2018; Junco et al., 2021). These insects act as natural enemies for both pest flies and gastrointestinal parasites of cattle by competing for the dung resource or direct predation and provide important ecosystem services relating to dung decomposition, nutrient cycling, and soil health. In 2022, a significant correlation between dung beetle abundance and reduced presence of pest flies in cattle pastures in the Northeast was found, as well as improved soil health outcomes with higher dung beetle diversity (Sands et al., Under Review). Reduced and selective use of effective pesticides is therefore an essential strategy for maintaining environmental resiliency, future treatment efficacy, and herd health. Grass-based dairy products are the fastest growing sector of the organic dairy industry with over 500 grass fed dairy farms in the Northeast. The trend towards consolidation into fewer, larger farms, organic, and pasturing of animals for the grazing season greatly impacts pest management priorities in the region, with more cattle on pasture, limited treatment options, and the threat of resistance. In a 2022 survey of grazing dairy farmers in Vermont, 86% of respondents identified external pests of cattle as a top priority on their farm and 73% of respondents wanted to learn more about alternative strategies (Sands and Darby, 2022). In a 2021 NYS IPM survey, pest flies of cattle on pasture and research on organically approved management options were identified as top priorities (Wise, 2021), and a survey of the research and education needs of the Northeast organic dairy industry identified pest management as the highest priority for animal health (Pereira et al., 2013). In the VT EIP Animal Agriculture Priority Area farmers will learn about the interactions between pests, parasites, and beneficial invertebrates on grazed cattle pastures, and identification and monitoring techniques for common pasture pests as well as beneficial species. They will learn how IPM strategies can be used to reduce pest populations, decrease pesticide use, and support beneficial invertebrates. This program will be led by an early career postdoctoral research fellow in the ̽̽ Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program (see Agronomic Crops) to further develop skills and experience while strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration with regional teams as part of the next generation of IPM scientists and educators. Our goal is to help farmers manage resilient pasture ecosystems, adapt to new pest and parasite challenges, and maintain a productive and healthy herd while improving long term environmental outcomes.
Objective 1. Promote New IPM Tools and Tactics for Established Practitioners
- Extension Outreach Education Outputs: A Grazed Pasture IPM factsheet outlining major pests and parasites of grazed cattle, their identification, and IPM strategies to reduce pesticide inputs and improve herd health and environmental outcomes; Dung Beetle Identification Pocket Guide outlining major species in the Northeast, their contribution to livestock IPM, and how to support them.
Objective 2. Increase IPM Awareness and Adoption for New Audiences
- On-Farm IPM Assessment: 10 total Northeast grazing cattle producers will be offered an IPM survey, a Fecal Egg Count for gastrointestinal parasites and coccidia, pest fly counts, and a beneficial dung invertebrate biodiversity assessment. A report with species found and IPM recommendations to target pest and parasite issues and support beneficial invertebrate populations will be provided to each producer.
- Livestock IPM Pasture Walks: One pasture walk per year in 2025 and 2026 (30 farmers/event) will highlight beneficial and pest invertebrates on cattle pastures, their interactions, and how management can support or suppress different species. An interactive dung demonstration during the event will allow participants to learn to find and identify pests and beneficial invertebrates in dung pats, and a tick dragging demonstration will form the basis for a discussion of tick risk and invasive species.
Objective 3. Develop the Next Generation of IPM Scientists and Educators
- Program Post Doc: One postdoctoral fellow with an expertise in livestock IPM will assist with all Priority Area aspects to introduce IPM to livestock producers including parasite management, scouting protocols, and educational in-person, webinar, and written materials. This experience will enable development of skills and strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration with regional teams.
Communities
Vermont’s population is growing, particularly in its urban centers, increasing interest in gardening and home production, notably among food-insecure populations including Hispanic and BIPOC households. A recent study found that 66% of Vermonters are engaged in home food production activities like gardening (Niles et al., 2021). Pest management was identified as the biggest barrier to home food production by 63% of Vermonters (Angle et al., 2023). According to the 2023 National Gardening Survey, the number of U.S. households that purchase pest management products has been increasing from 51.2% in 2018 to 70.4% in 2022. Households spent $74 million on these products and younger populations are purchasing these products more than their older counterparts; 77% of 18- to 35-year-olds that were surveyed purchased these products (Whitinger, 2023). Educating the general public, particularly young adults, about IPM is a critical step in efforts to both reduce pesticide use and increase home food production in Vermont. The ̽̽ Extension Community Horticulture Program trains and supports ~350 ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers annually to increase our capacity to reach the general public with science-based IPM information as an essential component of our programming. Volunteers are located across the state and have the best potential to reach the public through their volunteerism in local communities; through Ask-an-EMG information stations at regional public events like fairs, field days and flower shows; and through a statewide EMG Gardener Helpline that operates 24/7/365 through an online service as well as a call-in service during the gardening season. In 2022, volunteers contributed 10,642 volunteer hours in garden education, valued at $303,723, to directly serve 11,439 fellow Vermonters and indirectly serve an additional 153,574 individuals for a total program reach of 165,013 Vermonters. In 2023, EMG Gardener Helpline volunteers responded to 820 client questions; 55% of clients requested help to identify a weed, insect pest or disease problem; 35% received information on IPM and of those, 51% implemented the IPM strategies recommended and 63% reduced or avoided pesticide use, saving an average of $67.30 per client as a result. The program’s signature Master Gardener Course is a comprehensive train-the-trainer opportunity for volunteers. In addition to horticulture and soil health information, students learn how to apply IPM practices to insect, disease, and weed management in home gardens and landscapes. Each year, 100-200 Vermonters complete the online course. Evaluations reveal that students significantly increased their knowledge about IPM as a result of what they learn. The 19% of 2023 course graduates who knew about IPM practices before the course increased to 96% who felt confident about IPM practices after the course, and 86% changed the way they gardened, including adopting IPM practices, based on the course materials. Following the course, the program provides ongoing continuing education to volunteers through webinars and an annual conference that includes a variety of IPM topics, keeping volunteers up to date on science-based information that they in turn provide to local schools, libraries, community gardens, farmers’ markets, and other community-based organizations. The VT EIP Communities Priority Area will continue to provide high-quality insect, disease, and weed management content in the Master Gardener Course and will add a new IPM basics lecture to better ground students in the important role that IPM plays in home landscapes. We will provide 6 advanced training events on IPM topics (2 webinars per year) as continued education for volunteers. We will provide volunteers with 3 factsheets to supplement IPM materials used at 12 Ask-an-EMG volunteer information stations (4 per year) at these events. We expect to distribute 7,200 factsheets to the public to raise IPM awareness over the three-year period. We will continue to support the EMG Gardener Helpline, ensuring that Vermonters have accurate, up to date IPM information for use in home landscapes and community gardens. Our goal is to increase adoption of IPM and reduce the use of pesticides in home and community gardens and landscapes. The ̽̽ Extension Community Horticulture Program receives no operating and minimal staff funding from Extension and the requested EIP funds are critical to allow this vital IPM outreach program to continue and expand the IPM message to a diverse community of stakeholders.
Objective 1. Promote New IPM Tools and Tactics for Established Practitioners
- EMG Advanced Training: Two IPM advanced topic webinars per year will be offered for ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener volunteers (150 volunteers/event).
- Extension Outreach Education Outputs: One presentation package (vetted slide set with resources) per year on IPM topics for use by ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener volunteers.
Objective 2. Increase IPM Awareness and Adoption for New Audiences
- Master Gardener Course: Annual 16-week online course (200 students) will introduce IPM and IPM strategies in Entomology, Disease, Weed Management, and Pollinator Plants units.
- Ask-an-EMG Information Stations: Four regional events/year staffed by EMG volunteers will address public questions about emerging pest issues and IPM strategies for management (150 Vermonters/event).
- EMG Gardener Helpline: The popular statewide service staffed by trained volunteers will answer online and phone questions (1000 clients/year) on pest problems and IPM strategies from the public.
Program Area Website
Pesticide Applicators
Understanding of IPM basics and strategies is essential for all pesticide applicators to reduce pesticide risk to human health and the environment. Pesticides range from less-toxic biopesticides and targeted options to highly toxic chemicals and all pesticides have the potential to cause harm if misused. A robust IPM program includes pesticides as a tool used only as necessary in combination with other practical approaches to reduce risk. The ̽̽ Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) works closely with Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) to provide IPM training and education resources for current (~1200 certified) and prospective pesticide applicators in the state. Certification and exams are administered exclusively by VAAFM. PSEP provides in-person and online resources to assist pesticide applicators to successfully achieve and maintain certification. All restricted-use or commercial pesticide applicators in Vermont must pass a core exam and appropriate category exams to become certified. The certification process is often the first place an applicator is introduced to IPM concepts. Pesticide applicators are expected to study manuals on their own prior to taking exams. The length and breadth of the information is a challenge to effective learning and is not inclusive of alternate learning styles. In response, the annual in-person Initial Pesticide Certification Meetings sponsored by PSEP provides relatable context and reinforces IPM concepts. In 2023 a record number of meeting participants accounted for up to 18% of core exams administered in the state with a 91% pass rate. PSEP also currently offers three online manual training courses as an on-demand study alternative that emphasize IPM concepts. All certified pesticide applicators in Vermont must earn recertification (continuing education) credits to maintain certification. Recertification educational opportunities for pesticide applicators are critical to address rapidly changing IPM information such as invasive and emerging pests, changes in pesticide chemistries and regulations, and pollinator protection. The annual Agricultural Pesticide Applicator Meeting and The Pesticide Applicator biannual newsletters coordinated by PSEP keep certified applicators informed of current IPM topics appropriate for a wide range of certified applicator categories. Up to 10% of applicators complete content-based quizzes based on IPM topics for recertification credits per newsletter issue. PSEP has also established multiple certification training and recertification credit online courses that emphasize IPM concepts as an on-demand alternative to annual meetings. Non-commercial audiences such as EMG volunteers, consumers, and students also benefit from knowledge of IPM approaches to reduce risk pesticide risk. Consumers can be encouraged to identify pests, avoid unnecessary pesticide applications, read labels prior to purchasing, and make less-toxic pesticide choices. ̽̽ Department of Plant and Soil Science students are seeking connections between multifunctional landscapes, food production, and the environment. A special topic course introducing IPM concepts and enabling initial pesticide certification will be advantageous for developing next generation careers within farming, conservation, or education. The VT EIP IPM for Pesticide Applicators Priority Area will continue to provide in-person and online resources to assist pesticide applicators to successfully achieve and maintain certification. Online courses will be regularly edited and updated to include new IPM information. The Pesticide Applicator biannual newsletters will continue to keep certified applicators informed of current IPM topics. Presentations, webinars, and factsheets will introduce IPM topics to homeowners through the ̽̽ Extension Community Horticulture Program. An academic course will introduce IPM to students training to become applicators or next generation IPM scientists and educators. Our goal is to ensure mindful, proper, and legal use of pesticides that reduces potential risk to human health and the environment. PSEP receives no operating and minimal staff funding through Extension Foundation grants and the requested EIP funds are critical to allow this valuable IPM outreach program to continue and expand to promote IPM practices that reduce pesticide risk.
Objective 1. Promote New IPM Tools and Tactics for Established Practitioners
- Pesticide Recertification Meetings, Online Courses: One annual category-specific training will provide IPM education to certified applicators on current/emerging pests, IPM strategies, and pesticide selection (50 attendees/event). One on-demand online recertification course created per year will reinforce IPM practices and introduce IPM strategies for emerging pests to reduce pesticide use.
- Extension Outreach Education Outputs: Two The Pesticide Applicator newsletters per year (1200 applicators) will provide certified applicators with current/emerging pests, IPM strategies, regulatory developments, and quizzes on IPM content that may be submitted for recertification credit; Biopesticide Basics homeowner factsheet (EMG Advanced Training webinar provided in 2023); Turf IPM EMG Advanced Training webinar, factsheet (270 volunteers/event).
Objective 2. Increase IPM Awareness and Adoption for New Audiences
- Pesticide Certification Meetings, Online Courses: One annual training (80 attendees/event) will emphasize IPM concepts to potential applicators, review required manual content, and administer the initial certification exam. One on-demand online manual training course created per year will introduce IPM practices.
- Master Gardener Course Module: Two presentations to the Master Gardener Course will introduce IPM to homeowners (200 students) starting in 2026.
Objective 3. Develop the Next Generation of IPM Scientists and Educators
- IPM and Pesticides Course: A one-credit 15-week course (delivered in 2026) in the Department of Plant and Soil Science (112 students) will introduce IPM, discuss IPM topics including pesticides and pesticide certification training and certification exam administration.
Program Area Website
Pest Diagnostic Facilities
New growers unfamiliar with pests and IPM are steadily increasing, especially in high tunnel production. These growers often have limited backgrounds in agriculture, and it is essential to have an impartial facility to identify pests in a wide range of crops and provide IPM information that minimizes environmental, health and economic risks. The EMG Gardener Helpline, home gardeners, and consumers represent expanding audiences requiring diagnostic and IPM information on current and emerging problems to avoid unnecessary pesticide use. As the only diagnostic clinic in the state, the ̽̽ Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) serves as the overarching resource providing diagnostic support for all the stakeholders and VT EIP Priority Areas needing access to timely, accurate and cost-effective diagnostics to make informed management decisions based on IPM strategies. The PDC also provides diagnostic backup for the EMG Gardener Helpline. Approximately 600 samples and several hundred emails/photos are submitted annually from commercial growers, EMG Gardener Helpline, gardeners, and consumers. The 2023 PDC survey results showed 93% of stakeholders who submitted a pest, weed, or disease sample used IPM strategies to manage their pest as a result of the IPM information offered with the diagnosis; 86% reduced pesticides due to the information received from the PDC; and saved an average of $400 per client as a result of decreased pesticide use. The PDC has organized past meetings of the Northeast Vegetable Working Group, comprised of Extension pathologists, entomologists and horticulture specialists. At the 2022 meeting, the group rated best management practices for pest management as the second highest educational priority (Northeastern IPM Center, 2022). Priorities set at this meeting drive much of the IPM outreach to Northeast vegetable growers. Working Group priorities, PDC sample diagnosis trends, and current and emerging disease and insect information drive the IPM topics presented by the PDC: in local and regional newsletters [Vermont Vegetable and Berry listserv (330 growers), Greengrower and High Tunnel listserves (3,500 growers), UMASS Vegetable Notes (2,120 growers), the Vermont Nursery and Landscape Association quarterly magazine (350 growers/nurseries), ̽̽ Extension Master Gardener newsletter (464)], in press releases (8/year), workshops and conferences [Northeast Vegetable and Fruit Conference (1200 attendees), NOFA-VT Conference (500), annual Vermont Veg and Berry Conference (250), Tri-State Greenhouse IPM Workshops (70), High Tunnel Conference (150)], and several IPM presentations are delivered each year to EMG volunteers, garden clubs and other gardening consumers. The PDC is also active in the editing and update of the New England Small Fruit Management Guide (in 2025, 2027) and the New England Vegetable Management Guide (in 2026) disease and IPM content with New England Extension horticulture and pest management specialists. The PDC has funded two undergraduate IPM interns over the past six years with great success. One former undergraduate IPM intern is currently enrolled in an IPM-related PhD program and the second is researching IPM related M.S. programs. The VT EIP Plant Diagnostic Facility Priority Area will provide new and established stakeholders with rapid and accurate diagnosis and current IPM recommendations. PDC samples and priorities set by the Working Group will drive IPM topics presented by the PDC and other participating New England states each year in newsletters, press releases, listservs, presentations, workshops, and Management Guides, reaching over 5,000 growers throughout the Northeast. We will support a Diagnostics IPM Intern position and one early career postdoctoral research fellow in the PDC to continue to promote next generation IPM scientists and educators. Our goals are to increase the adoption of IPM tactics and reduce pesticide use by starting with proper pest identification combined with IPM strategies in addition to mentoring new IPM practitioners, scientists, and educators for continued support of commercial and community stakeholders. The PDC receives minimal funding through the National Plant Diagnostic Network and the requested EIP funds are critical to allow this essential IPM service and outreach program to continue serving a broad community of stakeholders.
Objective 1. Promote New IPM Tools and Tactics for Established Practitioners
- Northeast Vegetable IPM Working Group: 25 IPM educators will meet in 2025 to discuss current/emerging pests and IPM strategies and update education/research priorities developed in 2022. These priorities will drive future education events throughout the Northeast and will be posted on the NE IPM Center and ̽̽ IPM websites.
- Extension Outreach Education Outputs: Update and edit disease and IPM content of the New England Small Fruit Management Guide (in 2025, 2027) and the New England Vegetable Management Guide (in 2026) with New England Extension pest management specialists; Contribute current and emerging IPM information to Vermont and Northeast commercial grower newsletters and listservs including the Vermont Vegetable and Berry listserv (450 growers/biweekly), UMASS Veg Notes (2,120 growers/weekly), the Vermont Nursery and Landscape Association magazine (350 growers/quarterly), the NE High Tunnel newsletter (4,000 growers/quarter); Two EMG Advanced Training webinar presentations per year on current IPM topics; Ten presentations per year will address current/emerging pests and the effect of climate change using IPM tactics in commercial crops in Vermont and the region to audiences including the Vermont Veg and Berry Conference (250 growers/year), the NE Vegetable and Fruit Conference (1200 growers/biennial) the Tri-State Greenhouse IPM Workshop (70 growers/year), the High Tunnel Conference (150 growers/biennial).
Objective 2. Increase IPM Awareness and Adoption for New Audiences
- Plant Diagnostic Clinic Diagnostics: The ̽̽ Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) will provide new garden and commercial stakeholders (600 clients/year) with rapid accurate pest diagnosis and current IPM recommendations. The PDC will provide diagnostic backup for EMG Gardener Helpline (1000 clients/year).
- Master Gardener Course Module: One presentation per year to the Master Gardener Course will introduce disease and IPM tactics to homeowners.
Objective 3. Develop the Next Generation of IPM Scientists and Educators
- Program Intern, Program Post Doc: One Diagnostics IPM Intern per year and one postdoctoral fellow will assist with all Priority Area aspects including PDC diagnostics, preparing IPM educational materials, presentations, preparation of IPM grants, and participation in farm visits.
Program Area Website
Program History
2021-2024 Program
2017-2021 Program
2014-2017 Program
2013 Program
2010-2012 Program
Contact Us
Program Coordinator
Ann Hazelrigg, Ph.D
(802) 656-0493
ann.hazelrigg@uvm.edu
Program Support & Evaluation Specialist
Sarah Kingsley-Richards, M.S.
(802) 656-0475
sarah.kingsley@uvm.edu
See program area websites for additional contact information.
This work is supported by Crop Protection and Pest Management Program [award no. 2024-70006-43502/accession no. 1033057] from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
