In a significant move to bolster pesticide safety education in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $10 million cooperative agreement to Oregon State University. This funding is part of the EPA's commitment to National Pesticide Safety Education Month and aims to support the operations of the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC). As a cornerstone for disseminating objective, science-based information on pesticides, NPIC plays a pivotal role in educating the public on pesticide-related matters through various channels, including the web, phone, and direct outreach.
The award comes after the EPA's call for applications in June 2023, seeking eligible organizations to undertake this essential public health and safety initiative. Oregon State University, the current partner managing NPIC, has been selected to continue its stewardship of the centre, ensuring the continuity of this critical service.
Under the new agreement, Oregon State University is tasked with several key responsibilities aimed at enhancing pesticide safety nationwide. These include operating a toll-free hotline for pesticide safety information and incident reporting, developing educational materials and technical resources tailored for risk assessors, medical and veterinary professionals, and automating the voluntary reporting of pesticide incidents through a web-based system.
Furthermore, the university will engage in partnerships and collaborations with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and diverse audiences to heighten awareness and promote the proper use of pesticides. A significant aspect of their mission will be to offer services and information in multiple languages and provide culturally appropriate resources, addressing the unique health and social vulnerabilities of various communities.
The $10 million funding, spanning five years from 2024 to 2029, is part of a broader effort to ensure the safe use of pesticides across the nation. This initiative is partially funded by $500,000 per year from the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022. EPA and Oregon State University have collaborated closely to guarantee a seamless transition and continuation of services from the previous NPIC agreement, with work under the new agreement set to commence by March 1, 2024.
For more detailed information on this initiative and the services offered by NPIC, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the EPA's website and NPIC's online portal. This partnership underscores the EPA's ongoing dedication to safeguarding public health and the environment by fostering a well-informed approach to pesticide use and safety.
