Which agency oversees the regulation and enforcement of pesticide use in California?

The Department of Pesticide Regulation is the agency responsible for overseeing the regulation and enforcement of pesticide use in California. This agency operates under the California Environmental Protection Agency and is tasked with protecting human health and the environment by regulating all aspects of pesticide use, ensuring that pesticides are used safely, and that they are effective for their intended purposes.

The Department of Pesticide Regulation establishes guidelines for the sale and use of pesticides, handles the registration of pesticide products, conducts research on pesticide effects, and enforces compliance with state pesticide laws. This includes monitoring agricultural practices, conducting inspections, and responding to potential pesticide-related issues to safeguard public health.

In contrast, while the Environmental Protection Agency also regulates pesticides at the federal level, its authority does not supersede California's specific agencies, which have additional state-level regulations that may be stricter. The California Agriculture Department, while involved in broader agricultural policies and practices, does not directly handle pesticide enforcement. The Food and Drug Administration primarily regulates food safety and pharmaceutical products, rather than pesticides.