What responsibility do state pesticide regulatory agencies generally have?

State pesticide regulatory agencies play a key role in ensuring the safe and effective use of pesticides within their jurisdiction. One of their primary responsibilities is to certify commercial pesticide applicators. This certification process involves evaluating the knowledge and skills of individuals who apply pesticides professionally, ensuring they understand the proper application techniques, safety precautions, environmental considerations, and regulations regarding pesticide use. By doing so, these agencies help protect public health and the environment from potential harm caused by improper pesticide application.

In contrast, monitoring pesticide prices is typically not part of their mission, as price regulation falls outside their scope. The creation of pesticide formulations is primarily the responsibility of manufacturers and researchers, rather than regulatory agencies. Conducting environmental impact studies is often handled by various environmental agencies or independent research entities, though state pesticide agencies may collaborate with them to ensure that pesticide use adheres to environmental protection standards.