Growers Reap Benefits of NCGA Insect Resistance Management Learning Center (8-9-04)
Thousands of farmers
across the country have used the National Corn Growers Association’s
(NCGA) Web-based Insect Resistance Management Learning Center (IRMLC) this
year to enhance their understanding of effective
IRM
strategies.
Since its introduction Feb. 6, the IRMLC section of the NCGA Web site has
been viewed more than 2,000 times, equating to nearly 12 visits per day.
“The IRM Learning Center was the first online education tool for growers
concerning IRM, and the number of visitors to the site proves there is certainly
a need for such a valuable resource,” said NCGA Biotech Working Group
Chair Helen Inman, adding that during the key spring planting month of April,
the IRMLC was visited 570 times. “We’re thrilled that so many
growers have turned to the IRM Learning Center to improve their knowledge
of correct IRM procedures.”
The free-of-charge learning center provides a step-by-step tutorial that
describes all facets of the IRM program, including refuge emplacement and
other regulatory requirements. Upon satisfactory completion of the tutorial,
users can print out a certificate of completion.
Inman said the learning center is quickly becoming the industry standard
for IRM training. Eighteen seed companies have agreed to post links to the
IRMLC on their company Web sites.
She said proper implementation of insect resistance management refuges was
more important this year than ever before, as growers planted a record amount
of insect-resistant Bt corn. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates
Bt corn was planted on 27 percent of corn acres this year, up from 25 percent
in 2003.
Inman said proper IRM practices are also vital because, under
the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Compliance Assurance
Program, growers who do not meet IRM refuge requirements may be denied
access to the valuable
Bt technology in the future.
“We want to ensure this technology remains available and effective
for years to come,” Inman said. “That’s a big reason NCGA
is making every effort to provide growers with the right information about
Bt corn and insect resistance.”
A 2003 survey by the EPA showed 92 percent of farmers who
planted Bt corn met regulatory requirements for IRM refuge size, while
93 percent also met
the requirement for refuge distance – up from 87 and 82 percent, respectively,
in 2000. While the survey results are encouraging, Inman said growers should
strive for an even higher compliance rate.
“We’re almost there, but we still need to reach out to the producers
out there who are noncompliant,” she said. “We encourage them
to join the thousands of growers who have completed the IRM Learning Center
program and improved their stewardship of Bt technology.”
The IRMLC was developed by NCGA and the Agricultural Biotechnology
Stewardship Committee, a coalition of biotech providers and seed companies.
To access
the IRMLC, click here.