USDA APHIS NBCI

NBCI coordinates biological control of animal and plant pests, develops initiatives, and seeks opportunities to integrate biological control with other appropriate pest management technologies. Major thrusts include building a national and international electronic biological control network; working with APHIS to document and improve current procedures for importation, interstate movement, and release of biological control agents; working with biological control customers to revise these procedures; resolving conflicts; and participating in strategic planning for biological control and integrated pest management at all scientific and administrative levels.

• Developing the National Biological Control Information Center, a cooperative venture between the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Biological Control Documentation center and NBCI's biological control information services;
• Establishing the NBCI Home Page, which helps to link the biological control community; provides an electronic store for ordering NBCI's products; and posts other news items for biological control users;
• Maximizing diverse scientific and sector representation on NBCI's Customer Advisory Group; ensuring feedback from all customers interested in biological control;
• Helping establish and supporting USDA's Biological Control Coordinating Committee (BCCC), which influences USDA programs, policy, and funding. BCCC currently includes representatives of APHIS, ARS, CSREES, USFS and NRCS;
• Organizing and sponsoring working groups, meetings, and similar activities to identify and manage specific problems in biological control;
• Gathering information from customers about their specific needs to propose improvements to protocols for the introduction, interstate movement, and field release of biological control agents. This process resulted in Options for Changes in Biological Control Regulation in the United States: A Strawman for Comment.

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