-O. 



Alternatives in program scope and organization . Three principal 

 topics were discussed. 



1. Alternative geographic scopes : That is, should IPM programs 

 be organized (a) on an individual grower basis with each con- 

 tracting for IPM services independently, (b) on a county (or 

 multi-county) basis, or (c) under a state wide umbrella. 



2. Alternative program scopes : A first consideration is to decide 

 whether to organize so as to cover single or multiple crops 

 (e.g. vegetables, apples, or both, etc.) 



3. Alternative services : Once program scope has been decided upon, 

 it next remains to be decided whether to offer (a) scouting 

 services only (this has minimal risks and minimal supervisory 

 costs but requires a close alliance with the Extension Service 

 for training and interpretation of scouting reports, (b) scout- 

 ing plus other IPM services (spray material purchase, contracts 

 with aerial applicators, predator releases, etc.) or (c) IPM 

 services plus non-IPM services (soil testing, leaf analysis, 

 etc.) . 



These latter two options typically require a full-time manager, 

 substantial capitalization and some form of democratic organ- 

 izational structure. 



Liability considerations . Conference participants agreed that tliis 

 area was potentially one of the largest stumbling blocks to provid- 

 ing IPM services after Extension-run pilot programs ended. Several 

 aspects of this problem must be considered. 



1. Protecting individual growers from liability (as in the case of 

 an independent scout injured during orchard scouting). 



2. Protecting scouts or private consultants from suits resulting 

 from improper scouting or incorrect recommendations. 



3. In the case of grower oxvned organizations (cooperative or non 

 profit entity) , protecting this entity from suits brought by 

 individual participating growers. 



There are numerous options in this area such as whether to limit 

 liability by incorporation, best decided with advice of legal counsel 

 when setting up IPM organizations. Scouts (or private consultants) 

 can for example, be hired utilizing a service contract which specifies 

 the job requirements. This contract would also specify that growers 

 will not sue under any circumstances, whether by negligence or im- 

 proper recommendations. Individual growers (or grower organizations) 

 can then carry scouts or consultants under farm liability and work- 

 men's compensation insurance. 



