Pesticide Use Enforcement Program Planning and Evaluation Guidance

Enclosed is the Pesticide Use Enforcement Program Planning Guidance and Evaluation document. The guidance represents a continuation of the core program priorities that the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) initiated in October 2004 (ENF 2004-023). DPR and the County Agricultural Commissioners have worked diligently over the past two years to evaluate and implement an effective pesticide use enforcement program at the local, regional, and statewide levels based on that guidance.

Our continued focus on restricted materials permitting, compliance monitoring, and enforcement response priorities will allow us to fully develop, implement, evaluate, and refine these core pesticide enforcement program elements. DPR´s Enforcement Branch Liaisons (EBL) will work with your staff to review and finalize the new work plans and incorporate any recommendations resulting from their evaluations of your 2005-06 work plans.

Under the Mill Disbursement Regulations which became effective February 11, 2006, section 6394(a), Performance Evaluation, was amended to specify that county performance be evaluated at least every three years. I am asking you and your liaison to determine the planning and performance evaluation frequency that best fits the complexity of your program. In addition to this, I am requesting that you include a commitment in your work plans to better coordinate our joint oversight inspections.

DPR´s EBLs will begin formally evaluating the effectiveness of your 2005-06 work plans, program activities, and improvements undertaken during the first two years; and making recommendations as necessary for any refinements in your program. Enclosed is the County Pesticide Regulatory Program 2005-06 Performance Evaluation Report template, which the EBLs will use to write their reports. The Regional Office Supervisors will meet individually with each County Agricultural Commissioner to review their county´s overall performance and discuss any program deficiencies noted.

I want to reiterate the importance of an effective statewide pesticide use enforcement program in protecting farmers, farm workers, our communities, and the environment. We have been entrusted with this responsibility and it is incumbent on all of us to do our part to assure our programs are fair, equitable, and effective.

It is expected that this guidance will remain in effect for the next three years to build a strong foundation of these core program elements. Please discuss any questions you may have regarding the evaluations or work plan guidance with your EBL and Regional Office Supervisor.

Sincerely,