The North Central IPM Center priorities are used to guide support of integrated pest management (IPM) in the region. Each year, both regional and national stakeholders meet to assess and update the Center’s priorities. This ongoing evaluation guarantees the Center’s dedication to addressing the specific needs of the North Central region, offering consistent support and guidance.
Current priorities include the following:
- Fund research, training, and technical assistance to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are foundational to IPM research, extension and teaching in the North Central Region
- Ensure that students majoring in IPM and related fields are invited and able to attend education IPM events and networking opportunities
- Increase knowledge of IPM practices in youth (K-12)
- Increase use of IPM at a regional or national scale through robust state, regional, national and international partnerships and infrastructure
- Support and promote IPM practices that:
- Improve crop system sustainability by increasing farm profitability and reducing environmental impact using IPM practices
- Rapidly identify and manage invasive re-emerging, or resistant insect pests, pathogens and weeds to minimize their impacts
- Address changes in climate and weather and their impacts on plant health, insect pests, pathogens, weed and mammal pests
- Conserve pollinators, biological control agents and other non-target insects in managed and unmanaged areas
- Improve public and animal health by minimizing the impact of insect-vectored diseases and household pests and reducing the exposure to unnecessary pesticides
- Improve human health by ensuring safe and reliable food sources
These priorities are formed based on the Center’s Signature Programs, which are reviewed and updated every four years.
Signature Programs
The North Central IPM Center’s Signature Programs represent the focus of the Center during its current four-year funding cycle.
- Protect diverse cropping systems, human and animal health and environmental resources with IPM.
- Ensure food security by preparing for disruptive forces such as climate change, pest resistance and invasive species.
- Protect pollinators and other beneficial insects.
