The University of Missouri’s Integrated Pest Management program has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to strengthen its reach to diverse clientele with sustainable pest management practices.
The grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture aims to enhance the ability to get important pest management information out to clients who need it.
Juan Cabrera-Garcia, state Extension specialist in horticulture, will work with MU Extension horticulture field specialists engaged with Amish and Hispanic farmers to assess their needs and help build their pest management strategies. Many farmers in these communities focus on specialty crops such as tomatoes.
Relationships have already been established between specialists and growers through grower groups such as Alianzas, a program created to enhance the ability of MU Extension and partners to respond to the needs of Latinx immigrants.
PHOTO: Protective respirator mask, pump pressure sprayer and spray bottles for gardening and housekeeping (Photo: iStock – Visivasnc)
