WESTMINSTER, Colorado – January 2, 2018 – Today scientists with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) join with the American Phytopathological Society (APS) and the Entomological Society of America (ESA) to announce the first annual National Pesticide Safety Education Month that will be held in February, 2018.
“Today pesticides are used in and around homes, apartments, workplaces, farms and a myriad of other settings to control weeds, insects, disease-causing organisms, rodents and other pests,” says Fred Whitford, Ph.D., coordinator of Purdue Pesticide Programs at Purdue University. “That means everyone benefits when we focus on pesticide safety education. National Pesticide Safety Education Month is intended to reinforce the core principles of safe pesticide handling – from purchase to disposal.”
Many public and private sector groups provide education for pesticide users – from extension professionals, master gardeners and government regulators to manufacturers, dealers, retailers and pest management associations. Among the influential public initiatives are many Pesticide Safety Education Programs (PSEPs) run by the nation’s land-grant universities.
“Sponsors of the first annual National Pesticide Safety Education Month will provide cash or non-cash contributions in 2018 to one or more land-grant university PSEPs through the Adopt-A-PSEP initiative of the National Stakeholder Team for PSEP Funding”, says Wayne Buhler, Ph.D., coordinator of the Pesticide Safety Education Program at North Carolina State University. “Adopt-A-PSEP connects these important programs with organizations that are willing to commit funds to promote public-sector education of all pesticide users.”
Organizations interested in becoming a sponsor of 2018 National Pesticide Safety Education Month are encouraged to contact Buhler.
For more information on the safe and effective use of pesticides, see WSSA’s Pesticide Stewardship Series.
About the Weed Science Society of America
The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world. For more information, visit www.wssa.net.
About the American Phytopathological Society
The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is a nonprofit, professional scientific organization. The research of the organization’s slightly less than 5,000 worldwide members advances the understanding of the science of plant pathology and its application to plant health. For more information, visit www.apsnet.org.
About the Entomological Society of America
The Entomological Society of America (ESA) is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines. Founded in 1889, ESA today has more than 6,000 members affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry and government. Members are researchers, teachers, extension services personnel, administrators, marketing representatives, research technicians, consultants, students and hobbyists. For more information, visit www.entsoc.org.
Contact:
Lee Van Wychen
Science Policy Director
National & Regional Weed
Science Societies
[email protected]
202-746-4686