practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods

Local growers in the New England area have a responsibility to raise quality fruits and vegetables in the most environmentally friendly way for customers and the environment. Each frower has their own unique way of Ensuring that they provide quality crops on a yearly basis, with various techniques of their own. with the aim to improve the quality of fruits and vegetables.One important way to monitor the health of crops is by practicing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods. Integrated Pest Management does not Eliminate all Pests, but it helps to Prevent Populations pest from reaching damaging levels. Growers are responsible for careful inspection and monitoring throughout an IPM program. The goal is to detect and correct conditions that can lead to pest problems before they occur. The first line of defense in an IPM program is to release predatory insects into the fields. Often, this is enough to keep the number of insects that are a threat to the crops at a low level. Many farms opt to use an IPM consultant to keep track of the levels of damaging insects. These consultants can scout the crop fields on a regular basis to check for Pests and diseases and use traps in the fields if Necessary. Spraying is only used as a last resort if a pest or disease Reaches a level that could seriously harm or damage the crops.All orchards, Including organic orchards, use chemicals in the eastern part of the country Because insect Pests and diseases thrive in the wet climate. All growers spend time and money on fungicides and insecticides to keep their crops healthy. Organic growers use chemicals only allowed by the National Organic Program and advanced IPM methods require lower amounts, and less toxic chemicals, than the organophosphates used by conventional farmers. Responsible growers take the time to assess each pest outbreaks and spray based on the specific pest and its life cycle, and not by the calendar.Another way to monitor the health of crops is through annual soil and tissue analysis. Crop rotation is an important part of maintaining healthy soil and better crops from season to season.In New England, organic fruit is almost impossible to grow. This is due to the fact that New England has a humid climate. Growers in Eastern Washington State or the Central Valley in California have better luck producing quality organic fruit Because their climate is more desert-like. New England growers are better suited to grow organic vegetables instead of fruit. Vegetables are not as negatively impacted by the humid climate as the fruit is.Since every farm has a slightly different approach, do not be afraid to ask your local farmer how they grow. Many will be happy to share this information with their customers.