What significant change was made to FIFRA in 1972?

The significant change made to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) in 1972 was the creation of a certification system for pesticide applicators. This change intended to ensure that individuals applying pesticides were properly trained and knowledgeable about the safe and effective use of these chemicals. By establishing a certification requirement, the law aimed to protect public health and the environment from the potential hazards associated with improper pesticide application.

The certification system enhances accountability among applicators and ensures that they understand both the legal and safe handling of pesticides. This move was a key step in strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring that individuals who apply pesticides are qualified to do so, ultimately leading to safer agricultural practices and reduced environmental impact.

The other options, while relevant to discussions about pesticide regulation, do not capture the primary focus of the 1972 amendments. For instance, label requirements have always been a fundamental part of FIFRA but were not a new introduction in that year, and while the USDA plays a role in agriculture and pesticide-related matters, it was not designated as the main environmental regulator through this amendment. The elimination of pesticide registrations is also not applicable, as the regulation still required registration but under more stringent guidelines following the 1972 changes