By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand its outreach to diverse communities with sustainable pest management solutions. This funding, provided by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, will help improve access to essential pest management information for farmers who need it most.
Juan Cabrera-Garcia, a state Extension specialist in horticulture, will collaborate with MU Extension’s horticulture field specialists who work closely with Amish and Hispanic farmers. The goal is to understand their specific pest management needs and develop tailored strategies, particularly for those growing specialty crops like tomatoes.
Strong relationships have already been formed between the specialists and growers through programs such as Alianzas. This initiative aims to enhance MU Extension’s capacity to meet the needs of Latinx farmers and other immigrant communities.
By focusing on these groups, the program ensures that sustainable pest management practices reach a broader range of agricultural producers, improving crop yields and supporting long-term farming success. The USDA grant will play a crucial role in strengthening these efforts and promoting agricultural sustainability in diverse farming communities.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Missouri, Business, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables