Risk Assessment

Evaluates the extent to which farms facing higher levels of drought risk are more likely to participate in conservation programs -- finding a strong link between drought risk and program participation.

Ensures that major regulations proposed by USDA are based on sound scientific and economic analysis.

Find article citations in NAL catalog (AGRICOLA) on risk assessment and communication from 1999 to the present. Bibliographies covering 1985-1993, 1988-1995 and 1995-1999 are also available.

"EPA conducts ecological risk assessments to determine what risks are posed by a pesticide and whether changes to the use or proposed use are necessary to protect the environment." The use of some pesticides may impact the quality of soil and water.

Overview of the Ecological Risk Assessment Process in the Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (PDF | 975 KB) EPA. Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. Explains the ecological risk assessment process for the "evaluation of potential risk to endangered and threatened (listed) species from exposure to pesticides."

"Section 304(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act requires EPA to develop criteria for water quality" that accurately reflect environmental or human health risks.

For the agricultural sector, outlines the "potential threat of environmental exposures to human and ecological health" and defines risk assessment. Includes links to the Wildlife Exposure Factors Handbook and risk assessment software.

Explains the "expanded role of ecological risk analysis in environmental decision making, applying the principles and practices of ecological risk analysis to non-chemical stressors and to environmental management."

"Organizes thousands of risk management materials which help producers and agricultural professionals quickly locate information, tools, and assistance on specific risk management topics."