What are the key functions of Pest Control Operations under CDFA?

The key function of Pest Control Operations under the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is to oversee pest control businesses for compliance. This responsibility includes ensuring that pest control companies adhere to state regulations and standards designed to protect public health and the environment. By monitoring and enforcing compliance, CDFA helps maintain safe practices within the industry, promotes the use of effective pest management strategies, and safeguards agricultural resources from pest-related damage.

The role of oversight is critical because it ensures that pest control methods are used responsibly and that the products employed are safe for both humans and the ecosystems in which they are applied. Compliance checks may involve inspecting pest control businesses, reviewing licensing and training requirements, and enforcing regulations concerning the handling and application of pest control substances.

While selling pest control products, exterminating pests, and developing new pest control chemicals are related activities within the pest management sector, they do not represent the primary responsibility of the Pest Control Operations under CDFA. Instead, those functions fall under the purview of businesses and manufacturers in the pest control industry, not the regulatory body itself. Therefore, oversight for compliance is the essential function that aligns with CDFA's mission of protecting agricultural interests and public safety.