IPM Credential Conference Call May 9th, 2011 at 11:00am CDT (12:00pm EDT) Please contact Wade Moder [email protected] with any edits

Participants: Luther Smith, ASA/CCA; Pete Goodell, AAIE; Stan Winslow, Tide Water Agronomics; Tim Pilkowski, NRCS; Tom Green; IPM Institute; Allison Jones, NAICC; Ingrid West, University of Wisconsin- Extension; Kevin Erb, University of Wisconsin-Extension; Peter Werts; IPM Institute, Wade Moder; IPM Institute.

Agenda: 1) Review IPM credential proposal, purpose and outcomes a) Identify key needs for IPM within NRCS i) Very few IPM qualified TSPs - how to increase participation: (1) IPM Credential to represent skills and abilities as a TSP, but not to replace current credentials and criteria for TSP certification for NRCS (2) Recognition in the market place: (a) Pete Goodell- additional places where credential can be useful, more versatile than just NRCS (i) Peter Werts: EPA requiring use IPM and permits for pesticide applications on or near water resources, among other possible uses. b) Objectives: i) Expand eligibility options for becoming a NRCS TSP for EQIP 595 and IPM CAPs program by developing an IPM professional credential for crop advisors that satisfies NRCS requirements for TSP certification. (1) Smith: Need to determine what we want the specialist to know ii) Develop a set of performance objectives centered on the principles and practices of IPM. Performance objectives should address prevention, avoidance, monitoring and suppression tactics for insect and disease pests. Performance objectives will be used to develop exam materials for the credential. (1) PAMS approach iii) Establish basic program mechanics for development, implementation and maintenance of the IPM credential. (1) More funds are needed to bring credential to marketplace iv) Identify individual and stakeholder-organization responsibilities for development and implementation of IPM professional credential for crop advisors. c) Objectives Comments: i) Allison Jones: implementation of credential for crops of all types, broad based ii) Pete Goodell: make this crop independent; envision someone who knows principles and how to apply them to their local situation. Look for someone with applied knowledge and the ability to present a plan for review for specific crops. Credentialing does not verify specific crop knowledge. iii) Tim Pilkowski: Need to differentiate between the needs of IPM Conservation Activity Plans and 595 IPM Practice Standard for credential. IPM CAPs addresses issues associated with pest management, but provides additional recommendations on addressing resource concerns created by pest management activities. Whereas an IPM plan for 595 only needs to identify if resource concerns are created. NRCS is interested in the IPM credential as they work recognizing more 3rd party work to help streamline the TSP program and increase participation. iv) IPM Institute will continue to develop these objectives and propose revised objectives.

2) Creation of IPM Credential steering committee: a) ASA, NAICC, Applied IPM Ecologists, NRCS are core organizations as per funded proposal. b) Other participants: i) Ingrid West: working on a training series for Conservation Activity Plan (CAPs), pollinator training program, wants to develop training for TSPs (West: water resources background) ii) Kevin Erb: Conservation planning, TSPs iii) Pete Goodell: represents Association of Applied IPM Ecologists and an IPM advisor in California (1) Sees IPM credential as an opportunity to expand the reach of IPM and the individual with skills and licenses that go beyond current licenses under NRCS. Wants to use IPM planning as another tool to encourage greater implementation of IPM practices

3) Indentify potential participants: a) Additions/Subtractions from current list i) Tim Pilkowski: Recommends adding Ben Smallwood, Norm Woodman (national technical personnel)

4) Who will host the credential long-term? a) Tom Green: ASA has proper infrastructure in place i) Luther Smith: ASA adds credentials, in all states and other countries using plug in modules and “specialty certifications.” IPM is a primary performance objective in the CCA credential and would add an IPM specialty certification. Create performance objectives for technical experts: Determine information the professional should know, then enter information into the delivery system. ii) IPM Credential standards must meet ASA standards to be included as a ‘Specialty Credential’. iii) IPM Credential would be considered a certification, not license (licenses are issued by government and not considered voluntary, whereas a certification or credential is voluntary). iv) Programs must be self-supportive over time. b) Luther Smith: typical timeline for performance objectives: 6-8 months from the initial meeting to first examination and up to 18 months in new countries with CCA program start-ups. c) Allison Jones: NAICC not as intricate as ASA, but happy to help in process. d) Ingrid West: how is training being developed in regards to 595? i) PCA (Pest Control Advisors License): Anyone can offer training ii) Peter Werts: IPM Cubed offers distance education.

5) Schedule credential meeting date a) Proposed meeting dates: http://doodle.com/hsnimapx2k9msxcq b) September 26-27, 2011 still works with everyone

Next Call: TBD