As a part of their work, tribal pesticide regulatory officials evaluate the impact that federal pesticide regulations have on existing tribal pesticide regulatory programs. The TPPC will provide a place to share the results of this evaluation and provide a way to communicate with and educate both tribal and federal pesticide regulatory officials. The need for tribal community education about pesticides is critical. Some tribes have issues regarding damaging impacts of pesticides on their lands from aerial sprayers coming from outside their borders. Culturally sensitive training needs for tribal regulators must be addressed.
Agriculture is also extremely important to the economy of some of the tribes.
Contrary to many stereotypes, from the prehistory period to European contact, Indian farmers were responsible for considerable accomplishments. Tribal farms today are a key part of the economic support for some reservation communities. Sustainable family farms and community gardens are important to tribal families. The need to balance environmental protection and community economic development is critical. The concerns of tribal hunters, gatherers, fishers, cultural, medicine and arts and crafts workers regarding pesticide impacts will not be neglected.