Integrated Fruit Production Network (IFPnet) began providing advanced IPM disease/pest models to accurately determine when to apply pesticides. Orchard growers use a network of 95 weather stations located in the Mid Columbia region of Oregon and Washington and a web based interface (www.ifpnet.com). The Wy'East Resource Conservation and Development Council began operation of the IFPnet in the spring of 2002 which is now used by over 200 growers.
Products delivered through IFPnet include decision making tools for pest/disease models, frost and wind speed notification system. The impact of IFPnet as a holistic systems approach to sustainable agriculture assists in the reduction of organophosphate pesticides to benefit water quality, endangered species and human health. the growers will reduce the use of organophosphate pesticides and replace them with biopesticides or less toxic pesticides, as well as reduce the overall amount of pesticides applied.
Through a grant from the American Farmland Trust ~ Wy'East is using the IFPnet program to foster outreach education through grower workshops, tours and personalized assistance. Wy'East will continue to bring IFPnet to meet the customers needs by providing a means for data collection and data analysis through on site weather stations and their personal computers.
While progress has been made to reduce the use of the amount of organophosphate pesticides affecting water quality and endangered species, more can be accomplished.