What is one primary purpose of pesticide record keeping?

One primary purpose of pesticide record keeping is to ensure compliance with regulations. Pesticide application is heavily regulated at both the state and federal levels, and accurate record keeping is essential for demonstrating adherence to these laws. This includes tracking the types and amounts of pesticides used, application sites, dates of applications, and any incidents involving pesticide use. These records provide critical documentation that can be inspected by regulatory agencies, helping to protect public health and the environment by ensuring that pesticides are applied safely and according to established guidelines.

In contrast, while tracking financial expenditures, informing customers, and monitoring applicator performance are important aspects of a pesticide program, they are not the primary reason for maintaining comprehensive records. Compliance with regulations takes precedence, as it serves to uphold safety standards and legal accountability in pesticide usage.