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The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) and Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) are the leaders in the development and support of integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated crop management (ICM) in New Jersey. Rutgers IPM programs are strongly embraced by growers of a wide variety of crops in New Jersey, and have been nationally recognized for excellence.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that the average cost of pest control is approximately 34 percent of a farmer's variable crop production costs. Traditional pest control practices result in crop losses of 10 to 30 percent due to pests. IPM and ICM (which includes crop water and nutrient management) are tools that strive to enhance the profitability of crop production by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools to improve pest management. IPM programs have also provided new marketing opportunities and opened export markets.

Growers participating in the RCE Fruit IPM program on average reduced pesticide use by 40 percent over the last 10 years, when compared to traditional pest control practices. New Jersey landscapers involved in the RCE Landscape IPM program have reduced traditional pesticide use by an average of 42 percent since 1993 and have significantly increased their use of biorational pesticide products, such as horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps.

We are very concerned about the need for stable funding for such vital programs. Rutgers Cooperative Extension IPM programs are funded through a variety of sources. Major support for IPM is provided through discretionary funds from the RCE State appropriation. USDA provides $110,000 in Smith-Lever 3(d) dedicated funds to Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) for integrated pest management extension education in New Jersey. Other funding for IPM comes from a wide array of federal and foundation grants.

USDA's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and NJDA's Conservation Cost Share Program (CCSP) funds are available to growers to offset some of the program costs. USDA should continue to promote IPM benefits and successes, and expand efforts to encourage more growers to participate in IPM programs. NRCS EQIP cost share funds should be made available to all growers participating in IPM/ICM programs, and not be limited solely to new participants.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we the delegates to the 88th State Agricultural Convention, assembled in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on January 29, 2003, fully endorse and encourage the use of IPM programs by the agricultural community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we call upon the Governor, the State Legislature and Congress to continue state and federal funding to ensure the future success of existing IPM programs, and further the expansion of IPM to encompass new crops.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the USDA to make available EQIP cost share funds to all growers participating in IPM/ICM programs with reimbursement paid over the life of the contract.