The bill mandates the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to submit an annual report on efforts to reduce pesticide use, as required by M.G.L. c. 132B, Section 5A. This report will include details on the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, which promotes environmentally responsible pest control methods. The bill emphasizes the importance of tracking pesticide use through the Annual Pesticide Use report from licensed applicators, while acknowledging the difficulties in obtaining comprehensive data statewide. It also outlines the enforcement program's role in ensuring compliance with pesticide regulations, detailing inspections and enforcement actions, as well as the registration process for new pesticide products following EPA approval.
Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for pesticide licensing and education, requiring individuals using pesticides on non-owned property to obtain a Massachusetts Pesticide License, which involves passing an exam, providing proof of insurance, and completing ongoing education. The MDAR will oversee the approval of external training programs, although it does not provide training itself. The bill also includes assessments of new active ingredients for potential groundwater exposure, confirming that none were classified as contaminants, and highlights targeted monitoring of pesticides in cranberry bogs, with results showing levels below health benchmarks for drinking water. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen pesticide regulation and promote responsible pest management practices in Massachusetts.