The 5 P's of Sustainable Agriculture, Ecosystem-based IPM, and the ...

S S U U S S T T A A I N I N A A B B I L I L I T I T Y Y F F R R O M T T H H E E G R R O U U N N D D U U PPThe 5 P’s of Sustainable Agriculture,Ecosystem-based IPM, and the Role of theIPM ProfessionalSustainable Ag ExpoNovember 15, 2011Clifford P. Ohmart, PhDSureHarvest&Peter Goodell, PhDUniversity of CaliforniaStatewide IPM Program

Presentation OutlineS U S T A I N A B I L I T Y F R O M T H E G R O U N D U P• Challenges to Implementing Sustainable Ag & IPM• Defining Sustainable Ag & IPM• Meeting the Challenges - The 5 P’s of SustainableAgriculture• Pest Management Challenges & IPM Planning• What does an IPM Plan Look Like?• Resources for IPM Planning• The Role of the IPM Professional

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y F R O M T H E G R O U N D U PThree Challenges to ImplementingSustainable Agriculture & IPM1) Defining it:• How can I do it if I can’t define it?• What are the boundaries of the definition (Sustainable Ag)?• There are no universally accepted standards2) Implementing it:• How do I practice it on my farm?• How do we extend this to an entire sector/region?3) Measuring it:• Tracking practices & performance – where am I at?• How is it impacting my farming operation/bottom line?

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y F R O M T H E G R O U N D U PDefining Sustainable AgricultureLeaving …development the farm that in as meets goodor the better needs shape of the for present the nextgeneration without compromising than when one thestarted ability of farming future it. generationsto meet their own needs.- 1987 United Nation’sBrundtland Commission

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y F R O M T H E G R O U N D U PEnvironmentallySoundEconomicallyViableSociallyEquitableThe three “E’s” of Sustainability

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y F R O M T H E G R O U N D U PWhat is the definition of IPMThere are many - I use this one:IPM is a sustainable approach to managingpests by combining biological, cultural andchemical tools in a way that minimizeseconomic, environmental and health risks.

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y F R O M T H E G R O U N D U PWhat is IPM? (from UC IPM Website*)"IPM," is a process you can use to solve pest problems whileminimizing risks to people and the environment.How does it work?‣ Focuses on long-term prevention of pests or theirdamage by managing the ecosystem‣ Monitoring and correct pest identification‣ IPM programs combine management approaches forgreater effectiveness*www.ipm.ucdavis.edu

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y F R O M T H E G R O U N D U PThe 5 essential components of an IPM Program:1) Understand crop ecology2) Understand pest ecology (and naturalenemies)3) Monitoring for pests4) Use of economic thresholds5) Consider control options(based on minimizing economic,environmental and health risks)

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y F R O M T H E G R O U N D U PSustainable Agriculture (and IPM)is a ContinuumWhere does onedraw a line?Less Sustainable (or IPM)More Sustainable (or IPM)

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y F R O M T H E G R O U N D U PThoughts to Consider AboutSustainable Ag & IPM• They are not recipes; they are paradigms• They are business models to apply to one’s farm• Sustainable agriculture is a journey, it is not adestination• Sustainable agriculture involves compromises• The world of sustainable agriculture is one wherethe horizon always seems to be receding!

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y F R O M T H E G R O U N D U PSureHarvest’s Continuous Improvement Framework1. Principles: The values that define your strategy2. Processes: The set of managed activities that createinternal and external value (e.g. production, sales, etc.)3. Practices: The methods used to accomplish thedesired operational results (e.g., irrigationmanagement best practices)4. Performance: The metrics and measurements usedto evaluate practice and process results5. Progress: The approach used to document,communicate and drive continuous improvement overtime (e.g. assessment, benchmarking, action plans,training, reporting, etc.)

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y F R O M T H E G R O U N D U P5P’s in Action: Winegrape ExamplePrinciplesSell crop at a profitProduce highest quality crop possible and optimize yieldsAdopt model of continuous improvement for the farmDefine and DocumentProcessesDefine and DocumentIrrigation Management Nutrient Management Pest ManagementInstall flow meterTissue samplingMonitor for pestsPracticesMonitor for leaks andclogsImplementTest for distributionuniformityDevelop nutrientbudgetUse fertigationUse economicthresholdsUse reduced riskpesticidesPerformanceDetermine Metrics andImplement MeasuresWater use efficiencyOptimized yield and qualityNutrient use efficiencyLower crop loss,reduced pesticide risksProgressAssessment & reassessmentContinuousDefine and ImplementImplement Improvement ApproachimprovementsAction PlansBenchmarking

The 5 P’s of Sustainable Ag – Meeting the ChallengesPrinciples:Defining• Produce highest quality crop possible and optimize yields• Adopt model of continuous improvement for the farm• Use IPM to manage my pestsProcesses:IrrigationManagementNutritionManagementPestManagementSoilManagementImplementingPractices:Install flow MeterMonitor for leaks &clogsDeficit irrigationTissue samplesUse fertigationDetermine nutrientbudgetMonitor for pestsUse reduced riskpesticidesUse economicthresholdsMinimize tillageTake soil samplesMinimize erosionTest for distributionuniformityAdd compostCheck sprayercoveragePlant cover cropsPerformance:MeasuringProgress:Efficient water use,optimized yield andqualityImprovementsEfficient nutrientuse, optimized yieldand qualitySelf -assessmentAction plansReduced pesticide risk,lower crop loss, improvedyield & qualityBenchmarkingQuality soil, reducederosion, good airquality

The 5 P’s of Sustainable Ag – where does IPM fit in?Principles:• Produce highest quality crop possible and optimize yields• Adopt model of continuous improvement for the farm• Use IPM to manage my pestsIPMProcesses:IrrigationManagementNutritionManagementPestManagementSoilManagementInstall flow MeterTissue samplesMonitor for pestsMinimize tillagePractices:Monitor for leaks &clogsDeficit irrigationUse fertigationDetermine nutrientbudgetUse reduced riskpesticidesUse economicthresholdsTake soil samplesMinimize erosionTest for distributionuniformityAdd compostCheck sprayercoveragePlant cover cropsPerformance:Efficient water use,optimized yield andqualityEfficient nutrientuse, optimized yieldand qualityReduced pesticide risk,lower crop loss, improvedyield & qualityQuality soil, reducederosion, good airqualityProgress:Self -assessmentImprovementsAction plansBenchmarking

The 5 P’s of Sustainable Ag – Where does self-assessment fit in?Principles:• Produce highest quality crop possible and optimize yields• Adopt model of continuous improvement for the farm• Leave farm in great shape for next generationProcesses:IrrigationManagementNutritionManagementPestManagementSoilManagementInstall flow MeterTissue samplesMonitor for pestsMinimize tillagePractice-based selfassessment toolse.g. Positive PointSystem, LodiWorkbook, CSWAWorkbookPractices:Monitor for leaks &clogsDeficit irrigationTest for distributionuniformityUse fertigationDetermine nutrientbudgetAdd compostUse reduced riskpesticidesUse economicthresholdsCheck sprayercoverageTake soil samplesMinimize erosionPlant cover cropsPerformance:Progress:Self -assessmentImprovementsAction plansBenchmarking

The 5 P’s of Sustainable Ag – Where does certification fit in?Principles:• Produce highest quality crop possible and optimize yields• Adopt model of continuous improvement for the farm• Leave farm in great shape for next generationProcesses:IrrigationManagementNutritionManagementPestManagementSoilManagementInstall flow MeterTissue samplesMonitor for pestsMinimize tillagePractice-basedcertificatione.g. SIP, Lodi Rules,Organic,BiodynamicPractices:Monitor for leaks &clogsDeficit irrigationUse fertigationDetermine nutrientbudgetUse reduced riskpesticidesUse economicthresholdsTake soil samplesMinimize erosionTest for distributionuniformityAdd compostCheck sprayercoveragePlant cover cropsPerformance:Progress:Self -assessmentImprovementsAction plansBenchmarking

The 5 P’s of Sustainable Ag – Where CCSWP certification fit in?Principles:• Produce highest quality crop possible and optimize yields• Adopt model of continuous improvement for the farm• Leave farm in great shape for next generationProcesses:IrrigationManagementNutritionManagementPestManagementSoilManagementInstall flow MeterTissue samplesMonitor for pestsMinimize tillagePractices:Monitor for leaks &clogsDeficit irrigationUse fertigationDetermine nutrientbudgetUse reduced riskpesticidesUse economicthresholdsTake soil samplesMinimize erosionTest for distributionuniformityAdd compostCheck sprayercoveragePlant cover cropsPerformance:Progress:Self -assessmentImprovementsAction plansBenchmarking

Performance based self-assessmentPrinciples:• Produce highest quality crop possible and optimize yields• Adopt model of continuous improvement for the farm• Leave farm in great shape for next generationProcesses:IrrigationManagementNutritionManagementPestManagementSoilManagementInstall flow MeterTissue samplesMonitor for pestsMinimize tillagePractices:Monitor for leaks &clogsDeficit irrigationUse fertigationDetermine nutrientbudgetUse reduced riskpesticidesUse economicthresholdsTake soil samplesMinimize erosionTest for distributionuniformityAdd compostCheck sprayercoveragePlant cover cropsPerformance:Efficient water use,optimized yield andqualityEfficient nutrientuse, optimized yieldand qualityReduced pesticide risk,lower crop loss, improvedyield & qualityQuality soil, reducederosion, good airqualityPerformancebasedassessment e.g.SISCProgress:ImprovementsSelf -assessmentAction plansBenchmarking

Stewardship Index forSpecialty Cropswww.stewardshipindex.org

Stewardship Index OverviewPurposeDevelop or adopt specific, measurable and verifiable,outcomes-based metrics for benchmarking, comparing andimproving sustainable performance in the specialty cropsector.ScopeFarm → Distribution → Processing → Retail/Food servicePeople, Planet, ProfitSpecialty crops!Proposed Initial PhaseDevelop open source metrics through a transparent, multistakeholderprocess

On-Farm Metrics & Data ElementsWater UseApplied waterCrop ETSoil & NutrientsFertilizer appliedSoil organic matterPesticidesApplication infoProductRateAir Quality/EnergyEquipment usagePesticide usageElectricity usageWasteHarvest yieldsWaste itemsWaste streamsBiodiversityVegetation typesWeed coverCrop mgmt practices

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y F R O M T H E G R O U N D U PPest Management,IPM and the IPMProfessionalPeter Goodell, PhDUniversity of CaliforniaStatewide IPM Program

Pest Management at DifferentEcological ScalesOrganismPestHostPopulationPlantFieldCommunityFieldFarmLandscapeFarm(s)Area wideRegional

Environmental Issues are DrivingIPM Programming in CA• Water Quality– Ground water– Surface water• Air Quality– Ozone & VOC– Particulate matter• Wildlife– Pollinators– Endangered/Threaten species– Natural Enemies• Biodiversity & Ecological ServicesRequires Planning & Integration

Multitude of ReportingSafety, Environmental , BuyersBMPADAGAPCDPRWorkerSafety FoodSafetyGAPEPABMPPUR

Planning & Documentation Can Help• Adhere to regulatory requirements orconsumer demands– Mitigate to demonstrate no adverse effect– Follow the rules for multiple regulatory programs• Document what you did– Audits & inspections– Provide proof of effort– Support third party certification

Natural Resource Conservation Service• SWAPA + H– Soil,– Water,– Air,– Plants ,– Animals ,– HumansConservation Planning Process– (now climate change)NRCS Conservation Planning Process can suggestmitigation measures (Practice Standards) for identifiedissues

Mitigation Statement Requiredfor Each CA Pesticide RecommendationI certify that alternatives andmitigation measures that wouldsubstantially lessen any significantadverse impact on the environmenthave been considered and, iffeasible, adopted

Examples ofEnvironmental Mitigation• Reduce risk of pest infestation through cropplacement• Increase indigenous biological control throughenhancement of habitat & conservation ofnatural enemies• Select targeted, reduced risk pesticides• Reduce pollution through filters or buffers• Protect & enhance wildlife through habitatimprovement• Increase biodiversity and ecological services

Suggestions fromNatural Resources Defense Council• Pest Management 595 Standard– Link IPM practices to conservation practices– Stakeholders reviewed & improved CA Standards

Mitigating Detrimental Impacts fromPest Management to Resources• Treatment decisions are based on biological data andrecognized action thresholds• All alternatives have been considered, biological,cultural & chemical• All pesticides options should be evaluated forenvironmental risks– NRCS Windows Pesticide Screening Tool– UC IPM Water Tox- PRiME – 17 multi-risk indices – Under development- VOC calculator- Integration of production, pest management &environmental challenges

Value of IPM Farm PlanIndividual FarmLand ownerRegulatory Compliance• Food Safety• Environmental• Health & SafetyReducing Risk• to Environment• from Pests• from InputsProfitability• Input Costs• Crop Value• Production EfficacyConsolidation of informationto address multiple issues

Reflective Planning ProcessAction Question 5 P’sAssess What did I do? PrinciplesReflect Why did I do it? ProcessesPlan What will I change? PracticesEvaluate How will I know itworked?Performance &Progress

Who is Involved in DevelopingNRCS IPM Plan?• Grower – what are goals for change?• PCA – what are current practices andsituation?• Technical Service Provider (TSP)– Provides pest management expertise as it relatesto natural resource issues & NRCS planningprocess– Proof of IPM Proficiency & Competency

What is a TSP?(Technical Service Provider)• A private individual who is certified to work withland owners and provide expert advice on behalfof NRCS• NRCS provides study material and pathway to TSPcertification• Several professional consulting organizationshave MOU’s with NRCS• TSP charges land owner who requests repaymentfrom NRCS office• TSP bolsters local NRCS office through additionalexpertise

Conservation Activity Plans(CAPs)• Detailed plans developed by land owner inconjunction with NRCS and TSPs• IPM is one subject area to which CAPs can beaddressed• NRCS lacks expertise in pest management,thus TSP certified in pest management isessential• Who is an IPM expert?

TSP & IPM• Who should qualify?• Crop or pest control consultant with PCA license?• CCA with additional category?• State by state?• National standard?• I contend it should be a combination of:– Demonstration of knowledge– Demonstration of skill– Proof of experience

PCA• PCAs are licensed to dispense pesticiderecommendations– Demonstration of knowledge in pesticide laws, regulationsand safe use– Demonstration of IPM knowledge is a requirement to obtaina PCA License– Demonstrate specific knowledge in pests categories and cropchemicals in which recommendations will be dispensed• Work with client during the season, mostly short term– Checks fields & monitors pest densities– Advises on action, considering all options– Balances client interest in yield, input costs and possible sideeffects

IPM Professional• Increasing interest in defining IPM Professional– Who they are, what they should know, how they should becertified?– National conversation is occurring, who should be consideredthe expert in developing or reviewing IPM plans?• More time spent with & information provided to client• IPM Professional– Has larger perspective, time and space are consideration– Works with client over long term– Does goal setting which connects to issues, includingproduction, pests, & regulatory

Individual FarmLand ownerPCANeighboringFarmsIPMProfessionalRegionalContext

Why Should I Do Any Planning?You Get the Blame…..Take Some CreditA good plan allows you to:demonstrate what you are doing,why you are doing it andwhat you have accomplished

Pest PressureStability & PredictabilityReduced RiskImprovedProfitabilityIndividual FarmLand ownerWhat ValueCooperativelyPlanned & ManagedLandscapesDocumentationof RegulatoryComplianceNeighboringFarmsReduced Pest PressureIncreased NaturalEnemiesImproved WaterQualityRegionalContextIncreasedBiodiversityValue of theCommonsContribution toImproved Air QualityEco Services Improvement• Bio control• Wildlife• Pollinators• Open Space – “Viewscape”

AAIEwww.aaie.net• Formed in 1967, it is the oldest associationdedicated to the continuing development of IPMpractitioners• Has always been an advocate of increasing ourreliance on the biological components of pestmanagement• Seeks to increase the knowledge & expertise ofits members through conferences, local meetings& continuing education• Provides a voice and leadership in national IPMpolicies

Concluding Remarks• IPM is ecosystem based• Land owners are faced with plethora of regulations• IPM can help address many of these issues• A comprehensive farm plan with an IPM emphasis is anapproach to address these issues in a thoughtful way• Individual plans could be combined to an createcommunities and address issues in a regional context• PCAs provide valuable insight on local, farm based IPM• IPM professionals should play a major role in facilitating,providing guidance and providing insight on cross farm,regional and policy issues

Thank You forYour Attentionand Interest