Measuring the economic impacts of IPM. Expanding the international scope of IPM. Identifying the traits of successful IPM programs. These contributions were cited in the awarding of the International IPM Lifetime Achievement Award to Virginia Tech agricultural economist George Norton late last month at the 8th International Integrated Pest Management Symposium in Salt Lake City.
“Norton’s research built the tools to measure the benefits to consumers,” the award announcement stated. His work shows the economic benefits that result when farmers replace indiscriminate pesticide use with IPM practices.
The announcement also noted that Norton made all these contributions in a modest and low-key manner over a 32-year career.
“His contributions to the IPM Innovation Lab have been truly remarkable,” said Muni Muniappan, director of the program.