Which agency regulates pesticide use in Iowa?

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is the agency responsible for regulating pesticide use in Iowa. This department oversees the registration of pesticides, establishes guidelines for their use, and enforces state and federal regulations to ensure the safe application of these chemicals. IDALS plays a crucial role in maintaining environmental health and safety standards related to pesticide application, ensuring that both agricultural practices and public health are protected.

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets federal regulations and standards for pesticide usage, it is the IDALS that implements and enforces these regulations at the state level in Iowa, making them the primary regulatory authority for pesticide use within the state. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) focuses on environmental protection and conservation, but does not directly regulate pesticides. Iowa State University Extension provides educational resources and research support for agricultural practices, including pesticide use, but it does not have regulatory authority. Therefore, the correct choice reflects the specific regulatory role that IDALS plays in relation to pesticides in Iowa.