For Release: December 31, 1997

Contact: Stephen M. Volpe 277-2781

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is seeking grant proposals for projects focusing on alternatives to pesticides. The integrated pesticide management (IPM) grants can be used for research or programs that minimize the use of pesticides through techniques such as using natural predators, developing resistant hosts, or promoting a holistic approach to pest control through education.

A little over $100,000 is available for grants this year from the Pesticide Relief Fund, with a maximum of $20,000 per grant. The fund, enacted in 1985 by the General Assembly, relies on fees from pesticide registration. Grants are evaluated by an Advisory Board to the fund, which makes recommendations to the DEM Director who makes the final selections of grant recipients.

DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Resource Marketing has a "Guide to the Pesticide Relief Program Grant Program", which is available by calling 277-2781 ext. 4509. The application deadline is January 30.

Proposals will be considered in, but not limited to, the following areas:

• Program grants to farmers for IPM projects on their farms.
• Research grants to Rhode Island institutions of higher learning for IPM research in biological control, ecological control through ecosystem redesign, development of resistant hosts, and related projects.
• Educational grants to environmental organizations, institutions of higher learning, and departments and agencies of state and local governments to promote the concepts of IPM. 
• Program grants to departments or agencies of state and local governments for direct application of IPM techniques in such areas as mosquito abatement, gypsy moth control, and urban pest management of such pests as yellow jackets, cockroaches, rats, and fleas in publicly owned buildings.
• Program grants to private firms and organizations for IPM programs in privately owned buildings open to the general public such as hospitals, museums, malls, and schools.