The Almond Pest Management Alliance (PMA), a partnership of almond industry groups united in the goal of finding innovative approaches to reducing pesticide risks, has been awarded a fourth year of funding from the state Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).

The $100,000 grant was awarded Feb. 1. The Alliance is composed of the Almond Board of California, the Almond Hullers and Processor Association, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project and local UC Cooperative Extension farm advisors.

The Alliance project is designed to promote a reduced risk system of almond production through the use of alternative products, actual on-site demonstrations and grower education. Three regional sites have been established in Butte, Stanislaus and Kern counties to allow for comparison of various orchard growing conditions and disease and pest pressures.