Integrated pest management: State infrastructure status after 50 yr of Federal support (1973 to 2023)

Integrated pest management uses a variety of tools coupled with historical, current, and projected information for economical pest protection of crops and other resources while accounting for risk to humans and the environment. Following the 1972 US Federal IPM Policy, funding for integrated pest management programming has continued for 50+ yr. However, multifaceted changes during this time have significantly affected state-level integrated pest management infrastructure, prompting a comprehensive survey to assess conditions, limitations, and growth potential of US integrated pest management programs. A survey was sent to 50 US states and 3 territories with integrated pest management programs in November 2022. Questions assessed integrated pest management-related staffing, funding, challenges, and other subjects. Information on invasive and emerging pests and barriers to providing integrated pest management to underserved populations was also requested. Results indicated 1,000+ integrated pest management specialists exist across state integrated pest management programs. integrated pest management programs involve diverse networks and stakeholders including university-based, federally funded, and society-based entities. The survey identified a clear need for a robust integrated pest management programmatic network containing trained multidisciplinary integrated pest management specialists to address the challenges caused by a changing climate, invasive species, pest and pesticide resistance, regulatory changes, and technological advances. A strong and collaborative group of integrated pest management specialists must be maintained and strengthened to address pressing and pervasive threats to food security and human health and wellbeing caused by existing, new, and emerging pests. A unified vision and stable support are needed to enhance and empower multistate integrated pest management programs, creating a national system so all can access the information, services, and tools for protection of health, home, and livelihood.