Al Fournier

I am an Associate Extension Specialist in Entomology based at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. As IPM Program Manager and Associate Director of the Arizona Pest Management Center (APMC), I support needs assessment, planning, evaluation, and reporting for UArizona IPM programs serving agronomic and specialty crops, urban and tribal communities, and public health priorities. The goal of the APMC is to support CALES faculty in their efforts to develop and deliver outstanding IPM programs that address the needs of Arizona's citizens. My expertise is in entomology and the evaluation of IPM adoption, implementation and impact. The focus of my program is (1) to collaboratively improve measurement of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) adoption, outcomes and impacts in Arizona and beyond; (2) to communicate the importance and impacts of IPM on crop production, economy, and protection of human and environmental health; and (3) to educate and engage stakeholders around issues related to IPM and federal pest management policy decisions that impact the environment and human health. This third focus includes education, outreach and expert testimony that support the economic interests of Arizona agriculture and community pest management while protecting human health and environment, as well as education on reducing pesticide risks to broad audiences.