The economic and non-economic aspects of IPM that improve sustainable food production

The traditional foundations of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are economic efficiency and environmental soundness. Growing concerns of food availability and affordability for certain strata of our society emphasize inclusion of social aspects that influence IPM and food production. Unfortunately, most research studies and most implementations of management plans do not include metrics that allow evaluation of any of these factors. We argue that entomologists should make an effort to include economics when they develop IPM strategies because their implementation is heavily influenced by what farmers can afford to make a profitable business. It also permits easiest evaluation of metrics from either a societal or private perspective. However, we also believe that greater emphasis should be placed on balancing the pest management, business, and sustainability aspects. An expansion of the original paradigm considers the human, environmental, social, and economic factors that influence the consequences of IPM in ensuring food safety and security for growing world populations at an affordable cost.