Pesticides are commonly used in agriculture to manage serious pest problems. But not all pesticides carry the same level of risk. Broad-spectrum pesticides can affect earthworms, birds and other beneficial species. Some can also cause short- or long-term health issues in people, especially when children are nearby during or after application.
Limiting the use of high-risk pesticides and choosing lower-impact alternatives whenever possible supports the long-term health of Oregon agriculture and the environment.
The pesticide risk reduction program at Oregon State University's Oregon Integrated Pest Management Center develops science-based strategies to reduce pesticide use and improve pest management. Integrated pest management (IPM) encourages practices such as rotating crops, scouting for pests and supporting beneficial insects like lady beetles, which feed on aphids.
The center’s IPM strategies have been adopted by farmers and certification programs. They were first used by Food Alliance, a nonprofit certification group, and later became the foundation for the Sustainable Agriculture Standard created by the Sustainable Agriculture Network.
To support IPM in Oregon and beyond, faculty with OSU Extension and the Oregon IPM Center in the College of Agricultural Sciences have developed several tools and resources:
- IPM strategic planning brings together growers, researchers and industry professionals to identify critical pest management needs for specific crops. Recent plans have addressed hazelnuts, cranberries and nursery plants.
- The My Pest tool provides more than 145 degree-day models and 12 plant disease risk models. These models help growers make decisions based on weather and crop conditions.
- The Pesticide Risk Tool supports selection of safer options by evaluating the environmental and health impacts of different pesticide products.
- The center works with OSU Extension to share these tools and strategies through workshops, publications and online resources. These outreach efforts serve communities across Oregon, both rural and urban.
When used effectively, IPM reduces risks while maintaining crop productivity. Limiting the use of high-risk pesticides and choosing lower-impact alternatives whenever possible supports the long-term health of Oregon agriculture and the environment.