Sixteen Organizations
Recognized for Significant Progress in Reducing Pesticide Risk
(Press Advisory 10/16/03)
EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship
Program (PESP) has selected 16 members of the program as “PESP
Champions” of 2003 for their extraordinary level of commitment to
protecting the environment and human health.
PESP is a voluntary partnership with
pesticide users to implement pollution prevention strategies. The
champions were selected based on their outstanding efforts promoting
integrated pest management (IPM) and advancing pollution prevention.
The groups employed the following strategies to reduce the health and
environmental risks associated with pesticide use: sampling to
accurately determine pest population levels; training and demonstrating
IPM practices; employing cultural practices such as crop rotation or
removing food and habitat for structural pests; controlling or managing
pests through biologically-based technologies; applying less toxic or
reduced-risk pesticides such as insect growth regulators; and using
conventional pesticides only when absolutely necessary.
The 16 members designated as PESP Champions
of 2003 are: American Mosquito Control Association, Audubon
International Cooperative Sanctuary Program, California Tomato Commission,
California Almond Board, Gerber Products Company, Glades Crop Care Inc.,
Lodi-Woodbridge Wine Grape Commission, Low Input Viticulture and Enology
of Oregon, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Massey Services Inc.,
Michigan Asparagus Research Inc., Monroe County School Corp., Pebble Beach
Company, U.S. Department of Defense, University of Wisconsin’s Center
for Integrated Agricultural Systems and Walnut Marketing Board.
Established in 1994 with 16 charter partners, today there are over 130
PESP members nationwide. For more information on EPA’s Pesticide
Environmental Stewardship Program, go to: http://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/
