Western Growers joined approximately 160 representatives from the specialty crop industry including commodity representatives, university researchers and government representatives in Cary, NC to prioritize residue, product performance and integrated solutions research projects for 2024.

Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4) helps specialty crop growers address pest management concerns by conducting research and developing the necessary data to register safe and effective pest management solutions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This USDA federally funded program was established in 1963 and facilitates access to critical pest control tools needed to grow minor crops and ornamentals. Learn more about the IR-4 program at their website here.

Among 63 funded projects, pest and weed control tools will be investigated for agave, almond, beets, broccoli, cherry, fig, melons, onion, pomegranates, strawberry, tomato and other crops. Final project lists for 2024 can be found on the event website under “Workshop Materials.”

If you are interested in learning more about IR-4 or getting more involved, please contact WG staff.