Which state agency regulates all pesticide use and enforces safety regulations in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is the agency responsible for regulating all pesticide use within the state and enforcing safety regulations associated with it. This includes overseeing the distribution, sale, and application of pesticides to ensure that they are used safely and in compliance with federal and state laws.

The role of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture encompasses not only the regulation of pesticides but also the education of pesticide applicators and the general public about appropriate pesticide use and potential hazards. It also involves licensing professionals who apply pesticides and conducting inspections and investigations related to pesticide usage and violations.

In contrast, other organizations mentioned, such as the Tennessee Pest Control Association, primarily serve as an industry group and do not have regulatory authority. Similarly, the Tennessee Environmental Protection Agency and the Tennessee Department of Environmental Services are not responsible for pesticide oversight in the way that the Department of Agriculture is, as their focus tends to be on broader environmental regulations rather than specifically on pesticide use. Thus, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture distinctly holds the regulatory responsibilities tied to pesticide use and safety in the state.