Information provided for informational purposes only

Note: This information is provided for reference purposes only. Although the information provided here was accurate and current when first created, it is now outdated.

Foreword

I am particularly proud of the people in the Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) this past year. They continue to safeguard public health and the environment from pesticide risks while ensuring that pesticides are regulated fairly and efficiently. In addition, OPP's partners in the regional offices, states and tribal pesticide regulatory agencies play an important role in implementing and enforcing pesticide programs and policies.

OPP's Fiscal Year 1996 achievements are especially significant in that they were accomplished amidst a government-wide shutdown, budget freezes, and the passage of a sweeping new law -- The Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Moreover, the program continued extensive reinvention initiatives and planning efforts for a major realignment.

OPP made over 6,000 regulatory decisions during the year, including the registration of 22 new active ingredients and 27 Reregistration Eligibility Decisions. More than half of the newly registered active ingredients are considered safer or reduced risk pesticides, continuing the trend over the past few years. While the new law has undoubtedly affected the program's ability to make decisions on food-use chemicals and the shutdown and budget crises meant fewer resources for the program, this record of solid achievement clearly reflects greater efficiencies and a dedicated staff.

The new law, enacted August 3, 1996, and effective immediately, set in motion the creation of several teams to deal with immediate policy and program implementation needs, as well as long term issues. A high-level Food Safety Advisory Committee was established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) to foster improved communications and understanding among stakeholders and to help provide strategic direction to the implementation efforts. In addition, a Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee was established under FACA this past year to deal with long-term pesticide policy and program implementation issues. Examples of other significant initiatives and accomplishments include: plans for a new Antimicrobial Division to reform and expedite the registration of antimicrobial products with priority for those that have significant public health uses; addition of more partners and supporters to the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program; deregulation of low-risk active ingredients (e.g., garlic); continuous improvement and expanded outreach and training in the Worker Protection program; and a redesigned Pesticides Program home page on the Internet.

The year ahead promises even greater challenges and opportunities as we implement the new law, realign our program to meet the requirements of an Executive Order mandating a streamlined organizational structure, and continue to deliver on our regulatory management obligations. The following pages provide a more in-depth look at the complexity and accomplishments of OPP. I hope this report will serve as an important communication and education tool and welcome your thoughts and recommendations on how we can improve it.



Daniel M. Barolo, Director
Office of Pesticide Programs

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