USDA Invests in Pest Management to Protect Food Supply

By CnAgri Print

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded more than $33 million to support research and extension activities addressing pest management issues that have human health, environmental and economic consequences across the nation. The awards were made by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

"The projects supported through these programs will support research, education and extension activities that help to find innovative pest management solutions for our farmers, consumers and families, aiming to ensure a safe and affordable supply of food," said Sonny Ramaswamy, NIFA director.

NIFA offers a wide range of pest management programs that support the development of science-based solutions to address human health, environmental and economic issues. NIFA supports research, education and Extension activities that promote pest management in general, and reduced-risk pest management in particular. The agency抯 pest management programs are implemented through working partnerships with scientists in our nation抯 colleges and universities, other federal agencies and the private sector.

The group's pest management programs work in coordination with stakeholders to address the broad goals outlined in the National Roadmap for Integrated Pest Management, which was developed by federal and non-federal IPM experts, practitioners, and stakeholders in 2004. In addition, NIFA's pest management programs play a key role in ensuring food security for all.