What authority does the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) hold over pesticides?

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is primarily tasked with the regulation of pesticide sales and applications within the state. This means that NMDA is responsible for establishing guidelines and requirements that ensure pesticides are sold, distributed, and used safely and effectively, protecting both public health and the environment. By managing these regulations, NMDA plays a crucial role in maintaining compliance with both state and federal pesticide laws.

This regulatory authority includes overseeing proper labeling, issuing licenses for pesticide applicators, and ensuring that pesticides are used in accordance with approved practices. The focus on regulation is critical in preventing misuse and ensuring that commercial and residential applications of pesticides do not pose hazards to the community or ecosystems.

While the department also engages in activities like training pesticide applicators and conducting research, these are not its primary authority. Training supports compliance and safe use of pesticides, and research can inform future regulations, but the core regulatory responsibility firmly rests on managing how pesticides are sold and applied across New Mexico.