DISCUSSION

The second year of the Almond Pest Management Alliance has clearly shown that the Almond PMA continues to be an effective program for growers and Pest Control Advisors who are interested in learning about reduced risk systems. The impending loss of traditional crop protection tools due to FQPA implementation, the possible risks to water quality from some dormant sprays, and a renewed interest in farming with more sustainable practices all indicate that the PMA project is important to almond growers.

The Almond PMA in its first year demonstrated the power of pooling resources to educate growers about reduced risk approaches. By working together, the various partners were able to reach more growers and Pest Control Advisors than any one individual organization could have reached on its own. UC farm advisors were able to have their limited resources expanded by the talents offered by PMA partners, whether it is in mailing out field day flyers, staffing sign-in booths, arranging for field day lunches or paying the salaries of field scouts who do the critical monitoring work.

The Almond PMA in its second year built upon the alliance formed from the various partners involved. The management team continues to discuss and be proactive in the goal for reducing pesticide use in almonds. Each of the original regional demonstration orchards remained in the program demonstrating that growers are committed to reducing pesticide use. Each of the regional orchards kept the same overall program including some additions, which made the program better. For statistical purposes, the trapping performed in each region remained similar.

By speaking with one voice on the critical issue of pesticide use, the Almond PMA has done much during the past two years to raise interest in reduced risk farming practices among growers.

The collective voice has also been valuable in helping educate governmental regulatory agencies regarding the many complex issues involved in almond production. The PMA has proven to be a valuable platform from which the industry can educate such agencies as the Environmental Protection Agency, the State Water Resources Control Board, the regional Water Quality Control Boards, and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation pertaining to almond production practices and the importance of controlling pests and diseases.

Specifically, the Almond PMA was an important topic during an October, 2000 tour of the almond growing region by high-ranking EPA officials to learn more about reduced-risk farming scenarios.

Further, the Almond PMA was highlighted in a high-profile Sacramento River watershed project document wherein voluntary programs to reduce pesticide runoff were discussed.