The Cosmetic Use Pesticides Research and Innovation (CUPRI) Program is now closed and we are no longer accepting applications.

In June, 2008 the government of Ontario passed the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act, 2008 which prohibits the use and sale of conventional pesticides for cosmetic purposes. The Ministry of Environment (MOE) provided funding to promote research and innovation on alternatives to the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes to reduce potential risk to human health and the environment, in support of the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act, 2008. The MOE provided an initial $480,000 to the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) to establish the Cosmetic Use Pesticide Research and Innovation (CUPRI) Program to provide funding to investigate new approaches to manage pests in lawns, gardens and parks.

The objectives of the approved projects will be to undertake research and innovation to accomplish the following:

• Encourage development of biopesticides and lower risk pesticides for managing lawn and garden pests;
• Assess the feasibility of commercialization of biopesticides and lower risk pesticides for maintaining lawns and gardens;
• Promote innovation of alternatives to the use of pesticides for lawn, garden, parks and turfgrass care; and
• Support growth of “green” industries and “greener” approaches to maintaining landscapes.