These funds have been allocated through the Cosmetic Use Pesticide Research and Innovation (CUPRI) Program, being administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC).

The Ministry of Environment (MOE) has provided $432,000 for the lawn care, landscaping, park maintenance and turf management sector to undertake scientific research and testing for alternatives to the use of cosmetic pesticides.

The OTRF will access funds for the following three projects:

• Field Evaluation of Biocontrols for Leatherjackets Approved Funding: $20,660.00 This project will test the field efficacy of various biocontrol agents such as several species and strains of insect parasitic nematodes, a botanical combination of corn gluten based formulations supplemented with neem on early stages of leatherjackets applied in the fall.

• Efficacy Evaluation of All Natural Corn Gluten Blends in Turf for the Control of White Grubs Approved Funding: $37,880.00 This project will provide valuable information on the efficacy of corn gluten-based formulations supplemented with neem for the control of white grub in turf.

• Poa. Supina on Pesticide Free Athletic Fields and Home Lawns Approved Funding: $40,000.00 This project will analyze the effectiveness of Poa. supina as a species for pesticide free home lawns and athletic fields.

A complete list of projects can be found at www.adaptcouncil.org.

The AAC is a non-profit, grass roots coalition of 69 agricultural, agribusiness and rural organizations dedicated to providing financial resources to help Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food industry remain profitable, grow and maintain its economic strength.