The California Department of Pesticide Regulation is one of six branches of the California Environmental Protection Agency

California Environmental Protection Agency

The California Environmental Protection Agency is a state cabinet-level agency within the government of California. Cal/EPA is composed of six departments, boards and offices responsible for environmental research, regulating and administering the state's environmental protection programs, and...

. This regulatory program has had the status of an official government department since 1991 but has been in operation since the early 1920s as part of the California Department of Agriculture

California Department of Food and Agriculture

The California Department of Food and Agriculture , is a cabinet-level agency in the government of California. Established in 1919 by the California State Legislature and signed into law by Governor William Stephens, the Department of Food and Agriculture is responsible for ensuring the state's...

. California State first passed pesticide related laws in 1901 and regard themselves as the premier US agency for pesticide regulation, the acknowldged peer of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Health Canada

Health Canada

Health Canada is the department of the government of Canada with responsibility for national public health.The current Minister of Health is Leona Aglukkaq, a Conservative Member of Parliament appointed to the position by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.-Branches, regions and agencies:Health Canada...

, and as an international authority in the field.