Happy New Year! For 2016, we are resolved to protect more communities, inspire more change and reduce more pesticide use. A few important topics are already emerging and below are some of our plans for the upcoming year's three program areas.
If you have already made a year-end donation, thank you! If not, please consider making a donation to help us succeed in 2016!
- In our Healthy Food and Farms Program, we will continue our work with farmers to demonstrate organic methods for site preparation and the establishment of habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects. In partnership, we will develop a resource guide for farmers and conservation planners using the findings from the on-farm demonstrations. Our much anticipated Idaho Organic Farming Conference is also coming up on January 28 & 29.
- In our Healthy Wildlife and Waters Program, we will expand the neonic-free nurseries guide throughout the NCAP region. Our “Shop Neonic-Free Nurseries” guide already identifies 20 neonic-free wholesalers and 12 neonic-free retailers in Oregon. Homeowners, landscapers, and cities (who are increasingly adopting neonic-free procurement policies) will be able to use this information to protect pollinators. We will deepen this work by offering an alternatives workshop to train Oregon nursery producers in biological methods of insect control, partnering with Oregon State University and USDA Risk Management Agency.
- The Healthy People and Communities Program will be prioritizing the protection of children and the reduction of pesticides in schools for 2016. All children have the right to learn in a healthy school environment, where they spend 180 school days a year. Poor indoor air quality, caused in part by pests and pesticides, leads to increased asthma attacks, lower test scores and lower attendance rates. This program will work to create a Healthy Schools Action Team of 500 or more concerned parents, family members and residents who will mobilize and take action to organize healthier, pesticide-free schools. Building on this momentum, we plan to affect more state policies to protect children in schools.
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