EPA Celebrates 60 Years of the IR-4 Project

Released on February 23, 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is celebrating the 60th year of IR-4, a project largely funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that plays an instrumental role protecting specialty crops from pests. Specialty crops include many fruits and vegetables like cherries, raspberries, cucumbers and tomatoes, as well as some nut, herb and horticulture crops.

In general, the crop protection industry tends to focus their efforts on major crops that provide a higher return on investment, which can sometimes leave specialty crop growers with fewer tools for effectively managing pests. To ensure that Americans have access to specialty crops that are essential for a healthy diet, a thriving landscape, and a robust U.S. economy, the IR-4 Project develops data necessary for the registration of safe pesticides with EPA.

Since its founding, IR-4 has facilitated the approval of thousands of pesticide registrations through EPA, many of which provide growers with innovative pesticide products that minimize health and environmental risks. To learn more, read IR-4's press release commemorating 60 years of impact.