California Department of Pesticide Regulation

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation, also known as DPR or CDPR, is one of six boards and departments of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA).

The stated mission of DPR is "to protect human health and the environment by regulating pesticide sales and use, and by fostering reduced-risk pest management." DPR's work includes:

• pesticide product evaluation and registration;
• statewide licensing of commercial applicators, dealers, consultants and other pesticide professionals;
• evaluation of health impacts of pesticides through illness surveillance and risk assessment;
• environmental monitoring of air, water, and soil;
• field enforcement (with the assistance of 55 county agricultural commissioners) of laws regulating pesticide use;
• residue testing of fresh produce; and
• encouraging development and adoption of least-toxic pest management practices through incentives and grants.

DPR is regarded as the premier U.S. agency for pesticide regulation, the acknowledged peer of United States Environmental Protection Agency and Health Canada, and as an international authority in the field.