What is the main goal of the Illinois Department of Agriculture in relation to pesticides?

The primary goal of the Illinois Department of Agriculture regarding pesticides is to ensure their safe application. This involves establishing regulations and guidelines that protect human health, the environment, and beneficial organisms while allowing for the responsible use of pesticides in agricultural practices. The Department works to educate pesticide applicators, enforce compliance with safety standards, and monitor the impacts of pesticide use. Ensuring safety helps mitigate the risks associated with pesticide application, ensuring that agricultural productivity is achieved without compromising safety.

Promoting pesticide usage or eliminating pesticide production does not align with the overarching aim of safety and responsible use. Encouraging organic farming practices, while a worthy goal, is not the specific focus of the Department concerning pesticides, which emphasizes safe usage over the promotion of any particular farming method.