Integrated Pest Management Program

The goal of the Georgia IPM program is to utilize a science-based decision making process to increase the implementation of IPM practices in Georgia agriculture in order to minimize environmental and economic risks from pests and pest management strategies. The IPM program works to achieve this goal through the development of integrated pest management plans through specialized research and innovation, and effective communication with growers, commodity groups, and regional and national IPM centers. Management practices are focused on reducing human health and environmental risks associated with pest management, and improving the cost benefit of IPM practices for producers. Specifically, the IPM program works to develop new pest management strategies, provide education to both public and private entities, and to promote implementation and adoption of these practices through extension. IPM is a systems-based approach to managing pest populations, which minimizes economic, environmental, and public health risks. IPM focuses on incorporating all management strategies (chemical, mechanical, biological, cultural) in order to maintain pest populations below an economic threshold. Extension and research personnel from the University of Georgia, in cooperation with growers, suppliers, homeowners and other stakeholder groups, have teamed up to create a comprehensive IPM program for the state of Georgia.