Which agency provides guidelines and conducts enforcement related to pesticides in agriculture?

The agency that provides guidelines and conducts enforcement related to pesticides in agriculture at the federal level is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is responsible for regulating the registration, distribution, and use of pesticides to ensure that they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. This includes establishing guidelines for safe usage, labeling, and monitoring compliance with laws governing pesticide use.

While state departments, like the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, operate within their states to enforce regulations and provide support based on the broader guidelines set by the EPA, the ultimate authority in terms of national pesticide regulation lies with the EPA. The Michigan Department of Health focuses more on public health matters rather than agricultural guidelines, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture primarily deals with agricultural policies but relies on the EPA for pesticide regulation.

Understanding the role of each of these agencies is important in the context of pesticide application and safety in agricultural practices, particularly regarding compliance with both state and federal regulations.