What is the main purpose of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act?

The main purpose of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is to protect public health and the environment. This legislation establishes a regulatory framework for the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides to ensure they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. By requiring extensive testing and evaluation of pesticides before they can be marketed and used, FIFRA aims to minimize potential hazards associated with pesticide use, thereby safeguarding both public welfare and ecological balance.

Although ensuring the safety of agricultural pesticides and regulating their distribution are important functions of FIFRA, these aspects ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of protecting public health and environmental integrity. Promoting pesticide sales does not align with the Act's primary intent, as FIFRA's focus is on safety and regulation rather than commercial promotion.