Arizona Vegetable IPM Program Evaluation

Abstract

This report presents a comprehensive evaluation of the University of Arizona Vegetable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program based in Yuma. Designed to measure program effectiveness and economic impact, the study employed two online surveys targeting Pest Control Advisors (PCAs), growers, and other agricultural stakeholders. Survey questions aligned with the program’s logic model to assess short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes. Results demonstrated high levels of stakeholder engagement, knowledge gain, and behavior change. Notably, 80% of respondents indicated positive changes in pest management practices, and over 90% recognized the program’s contributions to reduced-risk pesticide adoption. The evaluation also quantified economic returns and yield protection attributed to the program’s entomology, plant pathology, and weed science recommendations. Findings underscore the critical value of the Arizona Vegetable IPM Team in improving production efficiency, environmental stewardship, and stakeholder satisfaction across the state’s high-value vegetable systems.