Ron Prokopy, Entemology Professor at UMass Amherst

2004 Local Hero Awardee 

(Posthumously awarded)

Ron Prokopy (1936-2004) served fruit farmers for 40 years before his sudden death in May. He conducted groundbreaking research on Integrated Pest Management systems, invented “sticky traps” for apple growers – a low cost, organic and effective tool for controlling pests on apples; and supported CISA and other agricultural organizations working to sustain agriculture.