Criteria 5 - Implement Organic and
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Integrated Pest Management  (IPM)
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​Practices
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What is Integrated Pest Management?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a way to control pests and diseases by combining several strategies such as early pest detection and removal, sanitation, biological, chemical, and mechanical control or removal. It is a way to reduce the use of chemicals to control disease and pests. You may decide to forego the use of chemicals altogether to manage your land organically. The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association can help with ideas for organic management of land, and can certify farmland as Organic. Your local Cooperative Extension service can also help you plan for fully organic management.

Key Components of IPM
  • Pest Detection
  • Sanitation
  • Biological Controls
  • Natural Biological Controls​
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The above strategies allow the use of chemical pesticides as a last resort, or in very small amounts only to supplement the above measures. When using pesticides, always follow all label and safety instructions.