Interregional Research Project #4, "IR-4," works continually with growers, scientists and commodity organizations to identify minor crop pest control needs. Anyone can submit a research request by filling out the Project Clearance Request (PCR) form on this web site. The requests are prioritized yearly and research assignments are made. In response to the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), reduced risk and safer chemistry projects now account for 80% of IR-4's research. Field and laboratory research data for food crops are subject to Good Laboratory Practices. Funding for IR-4 comes from the USDA, from the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and state land grant universities. UC Cooperative Extension - Imperial County has an IR-4 Center under the direction and leadership of Eric Natwick, Farm Advisor. Brent Boutwell is a Staff Research Associate that works full time on IR-4 projects in Imperial County at the UC Desert Research and Extension Center. For additional information please contact Eric Natwick or Brent Boutwell at 760-352-9474 UCDavis IR-4 Link: http://wrir4.ucdavis.edu/ IR-4 Headquarters Link: http://ir4.rutgers.edu/index.html