Integrated pest management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest management that aims to maximise crop production in an environmentally sensitive manner. IPM practices are numerous and varied, which makes them difficult to quantify. UHI’s Agronomy and Agriculture Institute have been working closely with the Voluntary Initiative, the National Farmers Union, The British Crop Production Council and the Plant Health Centre to develop IPM Assessment Plans based on our published research.

IPM Assessment Plans include a universal metric to measure IPM practices on farm. This work has been well received by industry as the method for quantifying adoption and was co-developed with the main practitioners of IPM (farmers and agronomists) which has contributed to its widespread success.

IPM plans are now available for arable, grassland, and horticulture at the Plant Health Centre and the Voluntary Initiative. IPM plans are an annual requirement of farmers operating under quality assurance schemes, such as Red Tractor and Scottish Quality Crops. This allows for the monitoring of changes in IPM practice, perceived pest threat, factors associated with good IPM practice, which provides an indication of the effectiveness of research and knowledge exchange activities related to IPM.

Policy impact

In Scotland, an IPM plan is part of the Whole Farm Plan which is required of farmers and crofters claiming agricultural payments (Basic Payment Scheme).

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme in England provides paid support (£1129/annum) for farmers and growers completing an IPM plan, evaluating and developing them on an annual basis, so a marked increase in their adoption is predicted.

In 2025 the UK launched its first action plan on pesticides in a decade. The UK Pesticides National Action Plan sets out how the Government will work collaboratively with farmers to minimise the impacts of pesticides on people and the environment i.e. One Health.  UK Pesticides National Action Plan 2025: Working for a more sustainable future - GOV.UK. Dr Creissen’s research is cited and there are hyperlinks to the IPM plan templates Dr Creissen co-developed (based on Creissen et al. 2019 and Creissen et al. 2021) and continues to develop.