By Blake Jackson
The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYSIPM) has appointed Raúl Lemus Garza as its first full-time bilingual project specialist. Lemus Garza, a native of Guatemala, brings extensive experience in extension and outreach to the program.
"We are thrilled to welcome Raúl to the NYSIPM team," said Alejandro Calixto, NYSIPM Director. "He has demonstrated his ability and commitment to providing underserved communities with vital training, resources and information, and he will be instrumental in helping our Program ensure that IPM practices and strategies are available to all New Yorkers."
Lemus Garza will work to bridge language and cultural barriers by providing training, resources, and information to Spanish-speaking communities across New York State.
Lemus Garza will conduct in-person and virtual education sessions, training programs, and individual consultations for various groups, including farmers, growers, and pest management professionals.
In collaboration with NYSIPM, Cornell University, and CCE, Lemus Garza will conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify specific IPM and pesticide safety education needs within Spanish-speaking communities. This assessment will inform the development of targeted programs and resources.
"I'm most excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by empowering the Spanish-speaking community with sustainable pest management practices," said Lemus Garza. "Providing them with access to the knowledge and resources they need to enhance their livelihoods and adopt environmentally friendly solutions is truly fulfilling."
Prior to joining NYSIPM, Lemus Garza served as an association program manager at CCE of Orange County. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in agronomy from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: New York, Crops, Education