What is the IPM Accreditation Program?
The IPM Accreditation Program (IPMAP) recognizes companies, park systems, golf clubs and their superintendents, and other interested institutions who demonstrate their knowledge of and commitment to the principles of IPM through a process of certification, audit, and professional development.
How does my company become IPM accredited?
Accreditation is granted by the IPM-PHC Council of Ontario. In order to become accredited, you must complete the following process;
Step# 1. IPM Accreditation Examination
One person from your company must demonstrate his/her knowledge of IPM by successfully completing the IPM-PHC Council "IPM Accreditation Examination". This person is known as the IPM Agentfor your company. After completing this step, your company becomes "Registered".
Step #2. Continuing Education Credits
After completing the IPM Examination, IPM Agents must obtain a minimum of 8 Continuing Education Credits (CEC's) every year. CEC's are obtained by attending industry conferences, meetings and seminars. Agents may also write the IPM-PHC Council "IPM Accreditation Examination" each year instead of obtaining CEC's.
Step #3. Desk Review Audit
After your company is registered, you must go through an annual Desk Review Audit, to show your compliance with pesticide usage, pesticide reduction where appropriate, employee training and management, and appropriate customer education and mass marketing materials. This review is supervised or conducted by an approved environmental auditor. When you successfully complete this audit, your company will become "Accredited — Level I". The Audit fee is $435.00 annually.
Step #4. On-site Audit
At least once every three years, your company must submit to an On-site Audit. You will become "Accredited — Level II" when you satisfactorily complete the On-site Audit. The On-site Audit is conducted by a Certified Environmental Auditor, designated through the Canadian Environmental Auditing Association.
Your company will be granted Accreditation on an ongoing basis if you meet the requirements set out by the IPM-PHC Council each year, and you have paid your fees in full.
Why should my company become accredited?
Integrated Pest Management or IPM is a decision making process that uses all necessary techniques to suppress pests effectively, economically and in an environmentally sound manner.
IPM Accreditation will address public concerns focused on the indiscriminate and excessive use of pesticides, promote professional development, and reduce risks from pesticide use to our environment.
The IPM Accreditation process will help to reduce reliance on pesticides through the application ofIntegrated Pest Management (IPM), Plant Health Care (PHC) principles, and Best Management Practices (BMP). It will have particular emphasis on the implementation of:
- cultural practices that promote plant health,
- pest prevention,
- use of reduced risk products, and
- application of pesticides only when necessary.
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