Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

1972, 1988

When the FIFRA was first passed in 1947, it gave the United States Department of Agriculture responsibility for regulating pesticides. In

1972, when the FIFRA underwent a major revision, it transferred responsibility of pesticide regulation to the Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) and shifted emphasis to protection of the environment and public health. The 1972 version is largely still in place. In 1988, it was amended again to change pesticide registration laws and to require re-registration of certain pesticides that had been registered before 1984.

Because this is only applicable in the United States, it is a National Law.

Description of Function• FIFRA established the law that required all pesticides to be

registered, which is only done after a period of data collection to determine the effectiveness for its intended use, appropriate dosage, and hazards of the particular material. The FIFRA determined that only a few pesticides will be available to the general public, and can be used by anyone who will follow directions. Most pesticides have been considered too hazardous for general use, and are restricted to certified applicators, including most agricultural industries. The laws determined by the FIFRA effect only those who use pesticides, including farmers and those who want to keep control of their agriculture.

Agency

• in 1947 The United States Department of Agriculture held responsibility for regulating pesticides. However, this changed in 1972 and the power was given to the Environmental Protection Agency.