This agreement provides funding for the operation of the montana department of agriculture's continuing environmental programs while giving IT greater flexibility to address its highest…

This agreement provides funding for the operation of the montana department of agriculture's continuing environmental programs while giving IT greater flexibility to address its highest environmental priorities, improve environmental performance, achieve administrative savings, and strengthen the partnership between the montana department of agriculture and EPA. This agreement funds statewide programs to develop and maintain a comprehensive pesticide program that addresses all aspects of pesticide enforcement and pesticide program initiatives/implementation. The work includes outputs and outcomes associated with managing continuing environmental programs which include activities to protect and maintain chemical safety. Activities:this agreement funds pesticide regulatory and enforcement activities including: training and certifying pesticide applicators, conducting worker protection activities to protect farmworkers and communities, protecting water quality by identifying pesticides of interest, identifying locations that need protection due to the location of endangered species and their habitat, protecting public health from unregistered pesticide products and misuse, monitoring for compliance in the field and enforcing EPA pesticide labels when needed, and conducting outreach and education to the regulated community and the public. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:anticipated deliverables and expected outcomes of this grant include better protection of public health and the environment through 1) increased outreach and education on proper pesticide use to the regulated community and the public to reduce risk, 2) proper training and certification of pesticide applicators, 3) monitoring for compliance by performing inspections, 4) responding to tips and complaints, and 5) taking enforcement action when needed. The program beneficiaries are the regulated community and the general public.