This study followed on from a series of

focus groups run throughout the cotton

industry in 1997 to increase the

understanding of issues impacting on the

adoption of Integrated Pest Management

(IPM) technologies and strategies in the

industry. They explored the social,

economic and technological aspects of

IPM.

The 2001 study revisited industry

attitudes and use of IPM in the cotton

industry. It sought to identify any

changes in understanding and attitudes

since 1997 through the eyes of

participants, identify new issues affecting

IPM use and management, and provide

further guidance for research and

extension strategies into the future. It also

sought feedback on Area Wide

Management (AWM), which was a

relatively new initiative in IPM strategies.

Key changes to industry attitudes and

practices towards IPM are summarised in

Table 5 (p13-24), is detailed in the Final Report, together with key

activities that have been undertaken and

recommendations for the future.