For Immediate Release

June 2, 2000

Contact: Chris Heintz (209) 343-3216 cheintz@almondboard.com

Almond Pest Management Alliance awarded third year of funding for reduced pesticide risk project

Modesto - - The Almond Pest Management Alliance (PMA), a partnership of almond industry groups united in the goal of finding innovative approaches to reducing pesticide risks, has been awarded a third year of funding from the state Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).

The $98,756 grant was awarded June 1, along with eight other grants to statewide groups including tree fruit, walnuts, sugar beets, and turkeys.

The Alliance is composed of the Almond Board of California, the Almond Hullers and Processor Association, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers and the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project , local UC Cooperative Extension farm advisors and the California Agricultural Production Consultants Association (CAPCA.)

"This grant is a tribute to the hard work the PMA has accomplished in the past two years," said Chris Heintz, Almond Board of California Research Director. "This alliance has made great strides in setting up research and demonstration projects that look at alternative approaches to pesticide use. A third year of funding allows this innovative and progressive project to continue to gather vital data about reduced risk scenarios. The base of knowledge being built will be of great use to almond growers in the year to come."

The Alliance project is designed to promote a reduced risk system of almond production through the use of alternative products, actual on-site demonstrations and grower education. Three regional sites have been established in Butte, Stanislaus and Merced

counties to allow for comparison of various orchard growing conditions and disease and pest pressures. Local UC Cooperative Extension farm advisors work with cooperating growers in comparing current grower practices and alternative approaches. Results are

disseminated through field days held throughout the year, as well as through newsletters, opinion pieces and a Web site.

"We believe the outreach component of this project has been very effective," commented Heintz. "We reached more than 600 growers and pest control advisors through our field days and countless more through our newsletters and articles in the general and trade media. The response has been overwhelmingly positive."

The project, which is overseen by an advisory management team of almond industry experts, runs through July 31, 2001.

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