What is the primary role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning seed treatments?

The primary role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning seed treatments is to regulate pesticide registration and use. This involves assessing the safety and efficacy of pesticides that may be applied as seed treatments, ensuring they do not pose unacceptable risks to human health or the environment. The EPA evaluates data submitted by manufacturers about the potential impacts of these substances, including their effects on non-target organisms, groundwater, and overall ecosystem health. Their regulatory authority ensures that any pesticide used in seed treatments is properly tested, labeled, and monitored to comply with federal law, thus maintaining environmental and public health standards. This regulatory framework is critical for promoting safe agricultural practices while enabling farmers to use effective pest management strategies.