IPM News and Events Roundup 10/06/23

IPM News and Events Roundup

A weekly collection of IPM news, webinars, employment, funding opportunities, and more from the Northeastern IPM Center

If you have IPM-related research, events, or other IPM news you would like to have included, please email Jerrie Haines at jlh472@cornell.edu . If you would like to subscribe to the weekly Roundup, please email northeastipm@cornell.edu. Past Roundups are archived on our website.

Connect with the Northeastern IPM Center

Northeastern IPM Center News

The "Weeds of the Northeast" webinar with Toni DiTommaso that was on September 21st. The recording is now available at the following link: https://neipmc.org/go/eKtD

IPM Toolbox webinar: Working with Museums, Libraries, and Archives to Use IPM to Prevent and Combat Infestations

October 26, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. EDT | Zoom | Free, registration required

Since the late 1990s, museums, libraries, archives, and other cultural heritage institutions have adapted agricultural IPM techniques to suit their specific collection risks and work practices. This webinar will assess some of the most important successes over the past decades while also examining where improvements are needed. Presented by Rachael Perkins Arenstein, a partner in A.M. Art Conservation, a private practice in the New York area with a specialization in preventive care.

For more information: https://www.northeastipm.org/ipm-in-action/the-ipm-toolbox/working-with-museums-libraries-and-archives-to-use-ipm-to-prevent-and-combat-infestations/
To register: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rhZP5LlRSwuW07StgDJ0-g

Call for Nominations: 2023 Outstanding Achievements in Integrated Pest Management Award

The Northeastern IPM Center is opening nominations for the 2023 Outstanding Achievements in IPM Award, which recognizes professionals and/or students based on their efforts and accomplishments in IPM. The Center seeks nominations of growers, consultants, researchers, educators, managers, and college/university students in the Northeast region.

For more information about the nomination criteria and award process, visit: https://neipmc.org/go/FdNt

Nomination deadline: Friday, October 27, 2023

Northeastern IPM Center Opens 2024 Call for Proposals

The Northeastern IPM Center has opened its annual request for applications (RFA) for funding through two grant programs: the IPM Partnership Grants Program and the Pest Management Strategic Plans (PMSPs) and Production/Management Profiles (PMPs) Grants Program.

For both programs, the application deadline is November 9, 2023.

2023 Northeast Integrated Pest Management Research Update Conference

Day 1: November 13, 2023, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon EST
Day 2: November 16, 2023, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon EST

This conference hosted by the Northeastern IPM Center (NEIPMC) will feature updates from active projects funded by the NEIPMC’s Partnership Grants Program. In addition, the online conference will have updates from IPM-related projects funded through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program and USDA-NIFA’s Applied Research and Development Program (ARDP) and Extension Implementation Program (EIP).

The rapid style conference will feature 5-minute pre-recorded presentations in which the speakers will discuss 1 or 2 highlights from their projects followed by a live Q and A. The purpose of the conference is to increase collaboration and awareness about current IPM-related research and extension in the Northeast in a fun way.

To participate in the conference, register at the following link:
cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7CmqZObxST6DS9UQ3XJ7yw

Upcoming StopPests Webinar in Spanish

StopPests in Housing is offering a training opportunity in Spanish. On November 14th, 1:00pm-2:15pm (eastern), Dr. Maria A. Gonzalez Morales, an indoor pest management expert from the Defense Centers for Public Health and the US Department of Defense, will be sharing the most effective ways to combat cockroaches in housing and how to avoid pesticide resistance. The presentation will help housing professionals, maintenance staff, property managers, and pest management professionals understand how to effectively reduce cockroach populations in the buildings and developments they manage with the most effective tools. Descriptions in Spanish, English, and the registration link are below. Please share with colleagues!

Register here: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6MIOfGY9TSiKOXAnqCgOxA

“Cucarachas vs Humanos: ¿Quién gana la batalla?”

Cuando: 14 de noviembre 13:00-14:15 (este)

Para registrarse presione aquí: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6MIOfGY9TSiKOXAnqCgOxA

Research in the News

New Study Points to Management Strategies for Invasive Tick on Cattle Farms (entomologytoday.org | 10/3/2023)

Rebecca Trout Fryxell, Ph.D., assistant professor of veterinary and medical entomology, and postdoctoral researcher Rebecca A. Butler, Ph.D., both in the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, worked with three cattle farms in their study. After providing the owners of each farm with information on tick control from the U.S.

Nanoparticles made from plant viruses could be farmers' new ally in pest control (sciencedaily.com | 9/23/2023)

Engineers have devised a new solution to control a major agricultural menace, root-damaging nematodes. Using plant viruses, the researchers created nanoparticles that can deliver pesticide molecules to previously inaccessible depths in the soil. This 'precision farming' approach could potentially minimize environmental toxicity and cut costs for farmers.

Range of pesticides, including neonicotinoids, found in pollen of different bee species (sciencedaily.com | 9/19/2023)

New research paints a worrying picture for the different species of bees that provide multi-million-euro pollination services in Ireland each yea. The work raises concerns about the potential wide-spread exposure to multiple chemicals from two pesticide categories (fungicides and neonicotinoid insecticides) and indicates that different bee species may be exposed differently to pesticides -- meaning that assessments of pesticide risk to honey bees may not be easily extrapolated to other bees.

News

Invasive spotted lanternfly may not damage hardwood trees as previously thought (psu.edu)

In 2012, when the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) arrived in the U.S. from its home in China, scientists, land managers and growers were concerned that the sap-feeding insect would damage native and commercial trees. New long-term research led by Penn State has revealed that hardwood trees, such as maple, willow and birch, may be less vulnerable than initially thought.

Connecticut Horse Confirmed Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (portal.ct.gov | 10/4/2023)

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture announced today the first equine case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) for 2023.

The adult horse, which resided in New London County, began exhibiting neurological signs before being euthanized on October 1, 2023. Diagnostic samples collected and sent to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL) at the University of Connecticut in Storrs have confirmed a diagnosis of EEE virus in the unvaccinated animal.

Once considered ornamental, knotweed is one of Maine's most damaging invasive plants (mainepublic.org | 10/4/2023)

Japanese knotweed can grow several inches a day, is strong enough to penetrate asphalt, and can regenerate from tiny fragments no longer than your thumbnail. Here, a single colony has swallowed half this forest — roughly four acres — transforming what should be a diverse landscape with dozens of species into a homogenous one.

Entrepreneur builds hurricane-proof homes using bricks made out of costly invasive plants (news.yahoo.com | 10/2/2023)

Vasquez and his team collect the sargassum that has washed up on the shoreline and take it to his workshop, where he begins the process of turning it into bricks. The sargassum is ground down to make a powder, mixed with dirt, combined with water to make a paste, and then put through a machine to create Sargablocks.

GROWERTALKS (growertalks.com | 9/25/2023)

What the ... ?
Muhlygrass mealybug distribution
Thrips parvispinus in landscape
Poinsettia abnormalities
Wage & Benefit Survey
Ambrosia beetle webinar

Invasive Plants and Native Alternatives for Landscapes (rutgers.edu)

Many of the familiar plants we see in our woodlands, along roadsides, and in fields are not native to New Jersey and cause ecological harm. These "invasive species" grow out of control because they have no diseases or predators controlling their spread, and deer generally don't eat them. It's tempting to think that all green plants are good, but that would be a mistake when it comes to invasive plants. We can all help stop the spread of invasive plants by not planting them in our landscapes and by replacing existing invasives with native plant species. This fact sheet focuses on invasive plants that cause ecological harm to New Jersey's natural areas and native alternatives for landscaping and gardening. Tables 1–4 include lists of invasive plant species and suggested native alternatives.

USDA to Host Informational Sessions About?New Controlled Environment Crop Insurance Program

USDA has a new crop insurance program designed for agricultural producers who use controlled environments in their operations. It’s tailored to producers who grow plants in fully enclosed controlled environments, including urban, specialty crop, and organic producers. It provides coverage against plant diseases subject to destruction orders. USDA’s Risk Management Agency will be hosting two virtual informational sessions for interested producers and public on October 10th.

For more information on the program click here.

Webinars, Seminars, Meetings, and More

What’s Bugging You? First Friday Events (New York State IPM Program)

Fridays | 12:00 pm. – 12:30 p.m. EDT | Zoom | Free; registration required

In this monthly virtual series, we explore timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. What is IPM? It's a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to not only reduce pest problems, but to also address the reasons why pests are there in the first place. Each month, our speakers will share practical information about how you can use IPM.

2023 What’s Bugging You First Friday Schedule

Join us Live on the first Friday of every month from Noon to 12:30 EST on Zoom.

November 3: Winter Garden prep | Tick check reminder
December 1: Houseplant IPM | Firewood pests

Register for upcoming events.

What’s Bugging You First Friday events are in Spanish this year. Individuals interested in these events can find more information on this website: https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/events/whats-bugging-you-webinars/conozca-su-plaga

And can register using this form: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3OQDpakcGrSd3tc

Invasive Insect Certification Program for Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forest Pests (UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program)

October 10, 11, 25, 26 | Webinar

This six-day webinar series (each listed separately below) looks at the characteristics of invasive insects and the impacts and costs they have regionally and nationwide while highlighting the biology, ecology, and identification of some of the most destructive examples, including Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer, spongy moth, hemlock woolly adelgid, and winter moth. State and federal regulations pertaining to invasive insect management will be discussed. Management as a part of landscapes will be presented along with strategies to prevent human-assisted movement of these organisms. IPM will be the focus, highlighting cultural and mechanical management options along with the use of biological control. Participants may optionally receive a certificate in invasive insect management.

View these and other upcoming program events (web page) or view detailed agenda (PDF)

Tuesday, October 10: Invasive Forest and Agricultural Insects in MA: Current and Future
Wednesday, October 11: Invasive Forest and Agricultural Insects in MA: Current and Future, continued
Wednesday, October 25: Management of Invasive Forest and Landscape Insect Pests
Thursday, October 26: Management of Invasive Forest and Landscape Insect Pests, continued

Tick Academy (IPM Institute, Tick IPM Working Group)

October 11 – 12, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CST| Zoom | Registration required

Once a year, the Tick IPM Working Group hosts the Tick Academy, which is an opportunity for researchers, educators, students, public-health professionals, pest-control professionals, public-space managers, and citizen scientists interested in learning more about what they can do to stop the spread of ticks and tick-borne diseases in their communities. This virtual event will feature presentations from experts in the tick IPM field including Tammi Johnson, Alexis White, Susan Paskewitz, Bob Maurais, Brian Allan, Kirby Stafford, and more.

Coffee Talk: Future Freshwater Invaders of the Northeast

Which aquatic invasive species (AIS) are on the horizon for the Northeast? Join the Northeast RISCC for a conversation with Grace Henderson about “Future Aquatic Invaders of the Northeast U.S.: How Climate Change and Natural History Could Bring Southern and Western Species North.” This talk will discuss northward-moving AIS, and will be followed by a Q & A and discussion on how to proactively manage new invasions.

Historically a dearth of high-resolution measurements of freshwater habitats on a national scale for current and future climate conditions has hindered aquatic invasive species (AIS) habitat suitability model development. Grace’s team at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Invasive Species Science Branch is developing a suite of current and future freshwater habitat predictors for the contiguous US and modeling plant, invertebrate, and fish AIS to predict habitat suitability in the Northeast region. Stakeholders helped develop a prioritized list of 94 invaders currently found in neighboring Midwest and Southeast to investigate the future potential for suitability in Northeast.

To join, please register at this link: https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMpf-CgpjwpG9DkjZrMqlkx-kt4Hwvt9Cn5

October 11, 2023, 11:00 AM EST

One Health: Understanding Threats to Wildlife and Human Health

October 12, 2023, 1:00 p.m. EDT | Webinar | Free; registration required

From avian flu to SARS-CoV-2 to chronic wasting disease, there is no shortage of threats to wildlife health across every biome and species, with many of these threats affecting agriculture and public health as well. Steve Osofsky, Krysten Schuler, and Jennifer Bloodgood of the Cornell Wildlife Health Center at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine will share their experiences from the field and the lab to illustrate how the health of wildlife and our own health are inextricably linked.

UNH Extension is hosting a two-part webinar series on IPM in extended season high tunnel vegetable production

Winter Cutworm Webinar October 16th @12pm: Winter cutworm is an emerging pest of high tunnel vegetables. This caterpillar feeds at night and is active during the coldest months, causing dramatic losses to vegetable crops grown through the fall and winter. Join our discussion with Dr. Navneet Kaur (Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist at the Oregon State University) and Dr. Anna Wallingford (UNH) to learn more about winter cutworm and Dr. Kaur’s research on beneficial nematodes for winter cutworm management.

https://extension.unh.edu/event/2023/10/winter-cutworm-updates

Biological Control of Wintertime Aphids Webinar October 23rd @12pm: High tunnels allow us to extend the vegetable production season, but pest management can be challenging without the help of natural enemies. Join this discussion with Dr. Laura Ingwell and Dr. Samantha Willden (Purdue University) who have been leading a team of researchers to find the best approaches to biocontrol aphids through the fall and winter. https://extension.unh.edu/event/2023/10/biological-control-winter-high-tunnels

31^st Annual NAISMA Conference: Foundations for Success (North American Invasive Species Management Association)

October 16 – 19, 2023 | Lincoln, Nebraska

Hear the latest on invasive species management research and strategies from experts at three plenaries, 50+ talks, poster sessions, and special networking events at this year’s NAISMA annual conference. Conference registration includes discounted hotel rate.

Vertebrate Pest Management Needs Assessment Survey (North Carolina State University | West Virginia University Extension)

The purpose of this survey is to collect data from professionals who provide information, advice, or educational resources to their clientele on vertebrate pest management. The researchers will use the responses to learn what resources participants currently use or distribute, and determine how we can create future learning opportunities on IPM in vertebrate pest management. Target audience is extension professionals (specialists, agents/educators), state and federal wildlife agency staff, technical advisors, and other wildlife control professionals throughout the United States and its territories.

Survey to remain active until November 1, 2023

Entomology 2023: Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting (Entomological Society of America)

November 5 – 8, 2023 | National Harbor, Maryland

The theme for Entomology 2023 is Insects and Influence: Advancing Entomology's Impact on People and Policy.

Northeast Greenhouse Conference & Expo

November 8 – 9, 2023 | Manchester, New Hampshire

The biennial Northeast Greenhouse Conference & Expo is co-sponsored by New England Floriculture, a group of grower representatives from the Northeast, augmented by university and cooperative extension staff in each state who specialize in greenhouse crops and management. Typical attendees include greenhouse growers, garden centers, retailers, nurseries?, landscapers, press, allied trade, educators, and students.

Varying registration tiers available with discounted rates through September 25

UNDERSTANDING BULLENTINS LIVE! TWO: AN OVERVIEW OF THE SYSTEM (1-hour webinar)

Thursday, November 9, 2023 @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST

Endangered species protections can take the form of nationwide mitigations on the general pesticide product label or geographic-specific mitigations located in Endangered Species Protection Bulletins (Bulletins), which are accessed through EPA’s Bulletins Live! Two (BLT) website. Pesticide applicators are required to visit the BLT website when directed by a product label and follow any mitigations specified for the intended application area. When users are directed to follow them on a pesticide label, Bulletins are enforceable mitigations under FIFRA. This webinar provides an overview of the BLT system, what pesticide applicators need to know about complying with Bulletins, and how and when to access BLT and locate applicable Bulletins. Before joining, be sure to check your system requirements (https://joincheck.gotowebinar.com/?role=attendee) to avoid any connection issues. EPA is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the information it holds. By clicking the “Register” button below, you agree to receive emails from EPA regarding this webinar.

Wild Spotter Invasive Species Ambassador Training Course (Invasives Free USA)

December 5 – 7, 2023 | Coeur D’Alene, Idaho | $300

This intensive training will include: building relationships and partnerships and engaging stakeholders; branding and marketing programs; using innovative tools and technologies; and leveraging volunteer citizen-science coordination, recruitment, and retention to meet invasive species management goals and expand local community capacity for action.

This gathering will have limited attendance through a merit selection process. Priority will be given to participants who can demonstrate their commitment to building invasive species management capacity within their community.

Transition to Organic Partnership Program Releases National TOPP Website

As you've probably heard, we have been working together with other northeast states on the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) which includes mentorship, technical assistance, and community building designed to help support farmers during and after transition to organic.

There is still time to apply for mentorship for the 2023/24 cycle. If you are interested in becoming a mentor farmer or are considering transitioning your farm to organic practices and have questions or need help, please submit your interest through the links below.

I'm interested in receiving technical assistance or working with a mentor

I'm interested in becoming a paid Farmer mentor

2023 High Tunnel Production Conference | Revitalizing Your Tunnel Vision

University of Vermont, in cooperation with the Univ. of New Hampshire and Univ. of Maine, is holding a conference on high tunnel production in northern New England. The event, titled “Revitalizing Your Tunnel Vision” will be held December 6 and 7, 2023 in West Lebanon, NH. Speakers from the organizing institutions, along with specialists from Purdue University, and various regional companies and USDA agencies will present the latest best practices for high tunnel production. Hands-on sessions on insect and disease diagnosis and soil fertility will be offered as well as irrigation technologies, cover cropping, soil sterilization, market strategies, and more. As weather events become more extreme, high tunnel production is becoming the norm for many vegetable farmers. However, growing under plastic presents unique challenges. This conference will help new and experienced growers improve their crop yields and quality through better production practices.

In the morning of Day 1, a tour will be offered by the farmers of Spring Ledge Farm, in New London, NH. (https://www.springledgefarm.com). The afternoon of Day 1 will include hands-on sessions on how to id insects and diseases and interpret soil tests. Day 2 will be a full program of presentations on diverse key topics associated with growing the best crops. The event will encourage grower interactions to ensure the program addresses practical issues and will allow for grower-to-grower exchange of ideas. Pesticide re-certification credits (3 on Day 1; 3.5 on Day 2) will be awarded to attendees from states with reciprocal arrangements with New Hampshire.

The program is available at: https://www.uvm.edu/~htunnel/High%20Tunnel%20Conference%20Registration%20Flyer%20v9-28-2023.pdf

On-line registration is at: https://bit.ly/TUNNEL23

Contact Cheryl Sullivan at (802) 656-5434, cfrank@uvm.edu for details or to request a disability-related accommodation to participate.

On-line Greenhouse Scout School

You can still register for any of the remaining Greenhouse Scouting Webinars – Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm (eastern).

October 12—Techniques for scouting - Greenhouse overview • Identification of aphids and abiotic issues

October 19—Techniques for scouting – use of traps and tools • Identification of thrips and virus diseases

October 26—Communicating scouting information to others • Identification of mites and bacterial diseases

Each session provides 1 NYS or New England recertification credit. If you are interested in credits, please send me a photo of your pesticide license as much before the session you have registered for as possible.

Sessions are taught by John Sanderson, Margery Daughtrey, Cheryl Sullivan, Elise Lobdell, Stephanie Burnett and Betsy Lamb.

Registration information at https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/events/greenhouse-scout-school

Blue Ridge PRISM Online Workshop 2023 - Identification of Invasive Plants in the Fall/Winter

Tuesday, October 24, 1:00 to 3:00 pm

This online workshop will provide an introduction to invasive plants and will help you to identify different invasive species in the autumn and winter. This session will take place via Zoom and will include a Q&A period with PRISM experts.

Cost: $10

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/721810784487?aff=oddtdtcreator

Blue Ridge PRISM Online Workshop 2023 - Management & Control of Invasive Plants in the Fall/Winter

Thursday, October 26, 1:00 to 3:00 pm

During our online workshop, you will learn how to best manage and control invasive plants during the autumn and winter. Topics will include best seasonal practices for specific invasive plants; manual methods for controlling invasive plants without herbicides; methods for controlling invasive plants with careful use of herbicides; and planning a work schedule with best timings for multiple plants.

This workshop will take place via Zoom and will include a Q&A period.

Cost: $10

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/721817263867?aff=oddtdtcreator

Blue Ridge PRISM Fall Meeting 2023:

"Virginia's Hardwood Forests: Lore, Lies, Luck & Looking Forward"

with guest speaker David Carter

(Free webinar w/Q&A)

Wednesday, November 1, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Blue Ridge PRISM's Fall Quarterly meeting with feature guest speaker David Carter who will discuss the challenges that Virginia's hardwoods face and will elaborate on ways to make informed and effective decisions to help tackle these issues. Dr. Carter will have a Q&A with the audience at the end of his presentation.

Cost: Free

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/721828056147?aff=oddtdtcreator

Employment Opportunities

Faculty Specialist – Entomology & IPM (Full-time; Ellicott City, Maryland)

University of Maryland Extension

University of Maryland Extension is seeking a faculty specialist to join its team at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Ellicott City, Maryland. The specialist will assist with the entomology and IPM educational programming needs of the Home and Garden Information Center, State Master Gardener Program, and county-based home horticulture faculty. Learn more or apply at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/111894

For best consideration, apply by October 15, 2023.

Assistant Extension Professor of Horticulture and Ornamental Horticulture Specialist (Full-time; Orono, Maine)

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

This position will develop and conduct educational programs and applied research projects throughout the state with an emphasis on Maine’s green industry. Maine agricultural industries of focus include floriculture, nurseries, garden centers, arboriculture, greenhouse production, and clients involved in consumer horticulture. This position works with other extension faculty, advisory boards, and commodity associations to offer programs addressing the educational needs of Maine’s landscape designers, landscape professionals, nursery growers, propagators, arborists, growers, and professional gardeners.

Review of applications to begin October 23, 2023.

Post-Doctoral Associate Position Shrewsbury Lab - Biological Control / IPM

University of Maryland – College Park

The Shrewsbury Lab is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to conduct research and Extension activities on biological control of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula. As part of a collaborative effort between UMD and USDA APHIS, the incumbent will examine the efficacy and impact of biological control approaches using pathogens and other natural enemies against SLF. The overall goal of the project is to provide less toxic and sustainable pest management tools to stakeholders. Click here for a full position description. Review of applications will begin immediately, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is identified. It is strongly preferred the candidate be able to start the position by the end of October 2023 or earlier.

Assistant Professor, Extension Specialty Crops Plant Pathologist

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville: UT Institute of Agriculture: Entomology & Plant Pathology

The recruited individual is expected to develop and deliver a vibrant, nationally recognized innovative applied research and Extension education program focused on diseases of important and emerging crops of Tennessee (e.g., fruits, vegetables, tobacco, hemp, hops). The individual will provide technical expertise on disease management, will develop an educational program(s) using traditional and innovative outreach tools for diverse audiences (e.g., Extension agents and specialists, producers, regional and state leaders, Master Gardeners), and will provide leadership in developing a specialty crop Extension and outreach programs that meet the needs of all eligible clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status. The candidate also is expected to develop an innovative applied research program of state, regional, or national importance that addresses important plant health and disease issues of specialty crops, to participate in the training and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, and to provide service to the department, university, and professional societies or organizations.

Extension Assistant Professor - Sustainable Fruit & Vegetable Production

UMass Amherst

The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, Extension faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will participate as a full member of UMass faculty in a 12-month, non-tenure track appointment.

We are looking for a candidate who will develop applied research and Extension programs that will support commercial fruit and vegetable production while investigating and implementing innovative and sustainable production systems that support farm sustainability and viability. Instructional responsibilities may include courses in sustainable horticulture, fruit or vegetable production, or related courses in the candidate’s disciplinary area.

Click HERE for more information on the position and how to apply.

Review of applicants will begin November 15, 2023, and will continue until an ideal candidate is identified. Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Jaime Piñero (jpinero@umass.edu).

Assistant/Associate Extension Educator for Controlled Environment Agriculture

University of Connecticut

This full-time, 11-month appointment for a non-tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Extension Educator in CAHNR to collectively advance Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). The successful candidate is expected to develop strong working relationships with producers throughout the state; interact with UConn faculty, state, and federal agency personnel; and develop interdisciplinary extension programs. This is an off-campus, county-based position. Assignment of office location is negotiable in the northwest or northeast part of the state and requires the individual to travel.

Funding Opportunities

Regional IPM centers 2024 calls for proposals/requests for applications (RFAs)

North Central IPM Center: Submission deadline Friday, November 17, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Eastern
Northeastern IPM Center: Submission deadline Thursday, November 9, 2023
Southern IPM Center: Submission deadline Friday, November 17, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Eastern
Western IPM Center: RFA opening October 4. Submission deadline Friday, December 8, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Pacific

Regional IPM Centers Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) RFA's

New IPM Funding for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Available

The Regional IPM Centers today are releasing three new diversity-focused funding opportunities with a total of about $200,000 available nationally. Specifically, the Centers are offering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility grants, fellowships and mini-grants.

The goal of the Regional IPM Centers' DEIA grants and fellowships are to make diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility both essential and commonplace within the IPM community.

Here are the details:

DEIA Grants: $120,000 available with awards up to $20,000 each. Applications will be considered as received, through January 31,2024 or until funds are exhausted.
DEIA Fellowships: Up to eight fellowships of up to $6,000 each will be awarded. Individuals eligible to apply should belong to the faculty, staff or student body of an 1890, 1994, HBCU or HSI institution and should be actively involved in integrated pest management or plant health activities. Applications will be considered as received until funds are exhausted.
DEIA Mini-Grants: Up to $30,000 available with awards of up to $5,000 each. Applications will be considered as received until funds are exhausted.

For all three programs, the proposed work or grant activities must be completed by September 17, 2024.

There will be a Zoom meeting on November 7, 2023, at 11 AM ET/10 AM CT to answer questions and
provide more information. Sign up here: DEIA RFA Q&A Registration

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas for this grant prior to applying, please
contact DEIA Director, Dr. Katie Hartmann: kh4@iastate.edu.

Learn more and apply

New York DEC Announces $3 Million in Grants Available for Invasive Species Projects (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation)

New York DEC has announced the availability of $3 million in the third round of the state’s Invasive Species Grant Program. This program is designed to advance projects that address spread prevention of both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species across the state, with awards ranging from $11,000 to $200,000.

News release: https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/128327.html
For more information on the program and RFA: https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/115742.html

Applications due by 3 p.m. on November 1, 2023

Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Program 2024 Call for Proposals

The online system for submitting your 2024 Farmer Grant Proposal is now open.

The SARE Grant Management System (projects.sare.org) is for more than proposals, it’s a powerful tool grantees use throughout their projects, feel free to click around and get comfortable. Don’t wait to submit your proposal. You can unsubmit, edit, and resubmit as many times as you need.

The Call for 2024 Northeast SARE Farmer Grants is available here. Approximately $800,000 has been allocated to fund projects for this grant cycle. Awards of up to $30,000 are available, depending on the complexity of a project. The online system for submitting proposals is here.

Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on November 14, 2023.

Northeast SARE covers the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.

Specialty Crop Multi-State Program

Program Purpose

The SCMP supports collaborative multi-state partnerships to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through competitively funded projects The focus is to address regional or national level specialty crop issues, including food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets.

Project Area Types

Multi-state partners must develop projects that bring together teams for solutions to practical problems that cross State boundaries and address the needs of specialty crop growers in the areas of food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion.

All project area types are 3-year projects with funding ranging between $250,000 and $1,000,000. Available Funding Approximately $10 million will be available to fund SCMP projects in FY 2023.

Eligibility

Entities residing in a participating state must apply through their State Department of Agriculture. Entities residing in a participating state are ineligible to apply directly to AMS.

Entities in a non-participating state may apply to AMS directly or choose to contact an adjacent participating state to apply on behalf of the entity.

Non-profits entities must apply directly to AMS.

All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated, and located within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

NIFA Invests $19.6M in Crop Protection and Pest Management

The Crop Protection and Pest Management (CPPM) program addresses high priority issues related to pests, including insects, nematodes, pathogens, and weeds, and their management using IPM approaches at the state, regional and national levels.

The CPPM program supports projects that will increase food security and respond effectively to other major societal challenges with comprehensive IPM approaches that are economically viable, ecologically prudent, and safe for human health. The CPPM program addresses pest management challenges with new and emerging technologies. The outcomes of the CPPM program are effective, affordable, and environmentally sound IPM practices and strategies supporting more vital communities.

The CPPM program provides support in three program areas:

Applied Research and Development Program Area (ARDP)

Extension Implementation Program Area (EIP)

Regional Coordination Program Area (RCP)