Development of the Integrated Pest Management Institute

Goal: Expand the nationwide adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices by developing a credible national certification program.

Integrated pest management reduces pesticide use by combining biological, cultural, and other environmentally responsible pest-control methods. Although IPM offers significant environmental and public health benefits, its adoption has been limited by the lack of a nationally recognized certification program that allows consumers to identify and support IPM-grown products.

The Integrated Pest Management Institute of North America was established to address this need by developing science-based certification standards, conducting independent compliance audits, educating consumers, and providing technical assistance throughout the food supply chain. The initiative also sought to unify existing regional certification efforts under a nationally recognized framework.

Client: The IPM Institute

TerrAqua's role: Helped develop the Institute's national program and secure funding for its implementation.