Incentive and cost-share payments are available to orchardists for using practices that conserve natural resources. Through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Natural Resources Conservation Service offers payments to growers for practices relating to pest, nutrient, and irrigation water management, and for plantings that enhance habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife, for example. Integrated pest management consultant Naná Simone of Wenatchee,Washington, said growers can apply for an incentive payment of $100 per acre for following recommended integrated pest management practices that include pest monitoring, use of predictive models to time pesticide applications, and use of reduced-risk pesticides. An additional $100 […]