Farmer Networks and Organizations

Thirteen Wisconsin farm organizations are dedicated to reducing pesticide risk

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
WI Apple Growers Association
WI Berry Growers Association
WI Corn Growers Association - phone 262.495.2232
WI Farm Bureau Federation
WI Farmers Union
WI Federation of Cooperatives - phone 608.226.0300
WI Ginseng Growers Association - phone 715.443.3542
WI National Farmers Organization
WI Potato & Vegetable Growers Association
WI Soybean Association
WI State Cranberry Growers Association
WI Association of Professional Agricultural Consultants

Farmer networks use and explore IPM options

More than 100 specialty crop producer organizations are working together to reshape the next Farm Bill to ensure that federal farm programs work for specialty crop producers. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance introduced Senate Bill 1160, which includes provisions addressing EQIP, IPM and other federal programs. Check out their web site for up-to-date information on how the Farm Bill is shaping up to support IPM.

There are farmer networks for fruit growers - apples, cherries and berries - interested in reducing pesticide risk. These networks are part of the Wisconsin Eco-Fruit Project, an effort organized by the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association, the Wisconsin Berry Growers Association, and the UW Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems.

Leadership from the Wisconsin Berry Growers Association is forming at least one grower network for the 2007 growing season, issuing an industry-wide survey to determine the extent of IPM adoption with strawberry growers with assistance from UWEX berry specialists, and working with CIAS staff to develop a tool to measure pesticide risk in strawberry production. WBGA is also hosting berry IPM events in 2007. The first event is scheduled for March 30, 2007 in the Eau Claire area specific for IPM in blueberries. The second blueberry IPM event is in conjunction with Michigan State University. The third event will include information on strawberry IPM and horticulture considerations of unusual fruits, to be offered in mid-August.

There are more than 20 farmer networks in Wisconsin where farmers help each other learn about management-intensive grazing and other ways to reduce reliance on high-risk pesticides. Visit the University of Wisconsin's Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems web page that lists each network and tells us where the networks are and how to contact them.

Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association - In 2007, 19 farmers are working together to produce potatoes using cutting-edge IPM strategies. Want to join them? Want to learn more? Visit the WPVGA web site or visit the page that details their project.

Organic Crop Improvement Association -organic farmers rely on bio-intensive IPM to control all pests without pesticides. This organization works with farmers to certify farms as organic. They may be able to provide you with information on how to transition to organic production.

Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Services (MOSES) offers a variety of educational experiences for farmers.

The Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference features three days of workshops and sessions for farmers to learn about all aspects of organic production and marketing. Pest management and other production sessions would be useful to all growers interested in reducing pesticides.

Public interest organizations engage in IPM work

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, East Troy, WI, conducts on-farm research on pest management for field crops and fresh market crops. MFAI also offers workshops throughout the year to assist farmers in production and marketing to reduce reliance on pesticides.

REAP Food Group creates of a Farm Fresh Atlas to market local, responsibly-grown products direct to consumers and sponsors the Food For Thought celebration in conjunction with a September Dane County Farmers Market on the Capitol Square to inform consumers about food system issues. Contact Miriam Grunes for more information.

Clean Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Parent Teacher Association work together to encourage IPM in schools, parks and other urban environments.



Who sponsors this site?

This site is made possible by Wisconsin agricultural organizations that know reducing high-risk pesticides is both possible and desireable. Reducing pesticides is possible because farmers and researchers are continually searching for better ways to manage pests. Reducing high risk pesticides is desirable because high risk pesticides can have unintended negative affects on our health and environment.

A number of agencies also support the University of Wisconsin's Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems work on pesticide reduction. They are:

  • US EPA - Minor and Specialty Crops IPM Special Projects: “Pesticide reduction in WI fruit production,” 2006-2009
  • USDA Special Projects pesticide reduction grants, 2002-present
  • Center for Agricultural Partnerships, in cooperation with the US Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters: “EQIP for apple growers,” 2005
  • American Farmland Trust, in cooperation with the US Environmental Protection Agency – Region V: “Pesticide Risk Reduction in WI Apple/Fruit Production,” 2004-2007
  • USDA SARE PDP: “WI Eco-apple production education and outreach,” 2004-2006