Plant Industries Division

The Plant Industries Division’s work is often carried out behind the scenes, well out of the public eye. Yet the the division’s services are vital to Missouri producers and consumer protection. The division works to prevent the spread of harmful insects and plant diseases; registers pesticides; licenses pesticide applicators; assures label accuracy and quality of commercial feeds and seeds; and inspects fresh fruits and vegetables to assure quality and grade.

The division’s Bureau of Feed and Seed enforces laws and regulations designed to help producers choose products that best suit their needs. The program ensures all labels are standardized, and tests feed and seed samples to guarantee the content meets labeling claims.

The Bureau of Pesticide Control monitors the sale and use of pesticides, a vital part of agricultural production in the state. The bureau also inspects applicator use records, dealer sales records, registers pesticides and works to promote best management practices for pesticide use.

The division’s Bureau of Plant Pest Control works to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful insect pests and plant disease through surveys, quarantines and the annual inspection and certification of nurseries and greenhouses. The bureau annually inspects 4,000 acres of nursery stock, issues more than 1,500 nursery dealer certificates and certifies approximately 800 export transactions on $173 million worth of goods.

Through its Forest Resources Program, the division works with Missouri Counties to control and eradicate Johnson Grass and regulates production and sales of treated timber. The division also offers fresh fruit and vegetable inspections to assure handlers of fruits and vegetables that their products meet quality grades and purchase agreement standards. The Integrated Pest Management Program emphasizes biological and cultural pest control and resistant plant use to help farmers reduce chemical pesticide use. Grants provided through the division’s Sustainable Agriculture Program enable farmers to undertake projects to reduce nonrenewable inputs.