Speaker:
Tom Green, President of the IPM Institute on North America
Abstract:
There are as many definitions of IPM as there are colors in the rainbow! So how do you know if your school system is truly practicing IPM? The "IPM STAR" program defines IPM by setting a standard verified via an on-site audit by an IPM professional. IPM STAR was adapted from models that identify IPM performers in agriculture, with input from more than 40 school IPM experts nationwide. The IPM STAR evaluation includes both minimum requirements and scored practices. "Must haves" include compliance with legal requirements, effective sanitation and exclusion, and no routine pesticide applications. "Scored" elements include IPM policies and planning, staff training, inspection, monitoring, sanitation, exclusion and "least-toxic" pesticides. Deficiencies identified and corrected as part of the certification process have included violations of laws, regulations or school policy; uncontrolled rodent and cockroach infestations; use of highly toxic pesticides when effective, less toxic options are available; and routine pesticide applications without regard to need. Certified schools are recognized with a press release, plaque and certificate presented at a local public meeting. Certification must be renewed every three years, ensuring IPM continuity through personnel and budget changes.
Biography:
Thomas Green president of the IPM Institute of North America, Inc., a non-profit organization formed to develop and support market incentives for adoption of Integrated Pest Management in agriculture and communities. Dr. Green serves on the board of the National Foundation for IPM Education and co-chairs the steering committee for the Fifth National IPM Symposium and Workshop to be held in St. Louis in April of 2006. He has been an apple grower, founder and owner of an IPM supply business and has authored more than 40 articles and presented at more than 50 trade and professional meetings. He holds a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Massachusetts . Thomas Green president of the IPM Institute of North America, Inc., a non-profit organization formed to develop and support market incentives for adoption of Integrated Pest Management in agriculture and communities. Dr. Green serves on the board of the National Foundation for IPM Education and co-chairs the steering committee for the Fifth National IPM Symposium and Workshop to be held in St. Louis in April of 2006. He has been an apple
grower, founder and owner of an IPM supply business and has authored more
than 40 articles and presented at more than 50 trade and professional meetings. He holds a Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Massachusetts.