What is the main purpose of pesticide registration?

The main purpose of pesticide registration is to ensure that pesticides are safe for human health and the environment. This process involves rigorous evaluation of the pesticide's potential impacts, including its toxicity to humans, wildlife, and plants, as well as its behavior in the environment. Regulatory agencies assess the data submitted by manufacturers and determine whether a pesticide can be used without causing unacceptable risks.

By prioritizing safety, pesticide registration helps prevent harmful exposures and maintains ecological balance. This is critical because it protects not only agricultural workers and farmers but also the general public who might come into contact with treated areas or consume treated crops.

Ensuring safety does not primarily focus on the affordability of pesticides or promoting their sale. While those are important considerations for the agricultural market, they do not reflect the regulatory underpinning of pesticide registration. Instead, the emphasis is on thorough scientific evaluation to safeguard health and the environment, making this the correct interpretation of the main purpose of pesticide registration.