Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began collecting improved pesticide data in 1991. A cornerstone of this program is the identification and coordination of data needs and responsibilities with two other federal agencies--the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. GAO testified that USDA's Pesticide Data Program requires critical interagency evaluation and input. If the program's main objective is to support interagency pesticide data needs, it is essential that an interagency strategy guide the program. Otherwise, USDA may be jeopardizing a significant federal investment meant to improve risk and benefit assessments for pesticide regulation. The effort requires data that are clearly defined; agreements on data collection, management, and dissemination be well established; and the costs and expected benefits associated with these efforts be articulated by the involved agencies and communicated to Congress.