Author: Zachary DeVries
Planning Unit: Entomology
Major Program: Integrated Pest Management
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
In 2021, the Kentucky Legislature passed a bill which completely overhauled the state’s statues on pesticides. As such, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) had to completely re-write their regulations to ensure they were in compliance with current statues and EPA regulations. To assist in this process, Dr. Ric Bessin (Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky) and I have been working extensively with the KDA to ensure the new regulations are (1) effective in ensuring safe application of pesticides, (2) practical and realistic for those applying pesticides, and (3) sustainable to account for future developments in pesticide application practices. Our work has involved conference calls, in person meetings, and review of documents. Together, our collaborative efforts will ensure improved pesticide application practices and will keep all parties involved with pesticides safe.