Dr. Thomas A. Green from the IPM Institute of North America, Inc, has been selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement award from the International IPM Symposium for promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and sustainability for more than 30 years.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to individuals who have dedicated their careers to IPM. This award can be achieved by individuals who have:
• At least 20 years of experience in IPM
• Enhanced IPM through team building with various stakeholder groups
• Addressed issues across pests, commodities, systems, and disciplines.
“We are delighted to honor Dr. Green with this prestigious award that recognizes his experience and dedication to IPM,” said Dr. Shakunthala Nair, co-chair of the Awards Committee. “We hope his work inspires others to continue to build on his legacy.”
Green is being honored for his consistent dedication to IPM efforts. Over the years, Green has created four successful startups with goals related to IPM product supply, consulting, risk management and certification and standards development. Green directed the Entomological Foundation from 2009 to 2015 and also served as vice-president and president from 2011 to 2014. He was awarded the Entomological Foundation’s Metal of Honor in 2015. Green earned his Ph.D. in entomology from the University of Massachusetts. Since then, he has written or coauthored over 100 publications and has shared his expertise by presenting at over 250 professional and industry events. Green is a Certified Crop Advisor, an NRCS-Certified Technical Service Provider and has been a member of the Entomological Society since 1983.
In 1998, Green cofounded the IPM Institute of North America with the goal of using the power of the marketplace to increase adoption of IPM and other best practices. As president of the Institute, Green has worked with his team on more than thirty projects to support IPM practices in agriculture, schools, workplaces and homes. Specifically, these efforts help consumers understand food production and pesticide use as well as helping companies to mitigate pesticide-related risks in the supply chain. Green supported the IPM STAR certification for schools and childcare facilities, which includes an on-site evaluation to look for pests and provide pest management advice, if needed. The Institute also offers Green Shield Certification to pest management professionals who want to use sustainable options in their pest management businesses.
Green’s focus on market-based mechanisms to promote IPM led to the creation of Whole Foods Market Responsibly Grown Program, which encouraged updates throughout the supply chain, from agricultural fields all the way to distributers and retailers. While this specific program has ended, many of the practices it promoted continue. Green has also collaborated with Red Tomato on the Northeast Eco Apple Project and with the North Central School IPM Working Group.
The International IPM Symposium is organized every three years, and attendees from around the world share their expertise, network with colleagues and learn the latest research and technologies for effectively managing pests.
The theme for 2022 is, “Implementing IPM across Borders and Disciplines,” and the event will be held in March of 2022.
