The University of Missouri Extension has received a $49,562 Strategic Agricultural Initiative grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 7 office. The grant will provide for a project promoting integrated pest management (IPM) to Amish and Mennonite produce growers in central and northern Missouri. Local University of Missouri extension agents will join with the Missouri Department of Agriculture and county soil and water conservation districts for this project.

Iowa State University has also received a grant, totaling $39,672, for a project that will examine and promote essential oils as seed treatments for corn, soybeans and vegetables. Essential oils will be evaluated in field trials for their effect on preventing seed- and soil-borne fungal diseases.

The Strategic Agricultural Initiative supports grants for education, extension, demonstration, and studies targeting the use of IPM and sustainable pesticide practices in food production. Since 2001, Region 7 has awarded $461,394 to reduce the use of high-risk agricultural pesticides.

The University of Missouri Extension has received a $49,562 Strategic Agricultural Initiative grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 7 office. The grant will provide for a project promoting integrated pest management (IPM) to Amish and Mennonite produce growers in central and northern Missouri. Local University of Missouri extension agents will join with the Missouri Department of Agriculture and county soil and water conservation districts for this project.