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EPA Awards Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii for Achievement in Pesticide Environmental Stewardship
Release Date: 12/23/2002
Contact Information: Dean Higuchi , U.S. EPA, (808) 541-2711
SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has selected the Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii as one of 18 nationwide "Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program Champions"of 2002.
The companies of the association, Dole Food Hawaii, Del Monte Fresh Produce, and Maui Pineapple Company reduced their pesticide and herbicide use through techniques such as:
- a combination of fallow periods and limited nematicide applications, to control nematodes;
- using granular ant bait to control ants, resulting in a reduced total insecticide use;
- pineapple plants are grown on raised beds, thereby reducing incidence of root rot;
- using plastic mulch, covering 75 percent of the planted area, which helps reduce herbicide use.
The Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program is a voluntary program that forms partnerships with pesticide users to reduce the health and environmental risks associated with pesticide use and implement pollution prevention strategies. The EPA selected the champions based on their outstanding efforts promoting integrated pest management and toward advancing pollution prevention. They are also being honored for their extraordinary level of commitment to protecting human health and the environment.
The other PESP Champions are: American Pest Management Inc., California Dried Plum Board, California Melon Association, Cranberry Institute, Gerber Products Co., Glades Crop Care Inc., Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission, Low Input Viticulture and Enology of Oregon, Massey Services Inc., Michigan Cherry Committee, Monroe County School Corp., National Grape Cooperative, New York City Board of Education, Northeast Utilities, U.S. Department of Defense Armed Forces Pest Management Board and U.S. Hop Industry Plant Protection Committee.
PESP was established in 1994 with 10 charter partners; today there are more than 130 members nationwide. For more information on the EPA's Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, see: https://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/ .
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