MAINTENANCE GARDENER COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures’ Pesticide Regulation Program (PRP) evaluated inspection and compliance rates of the different segments of the pest control industry to identify segments or communities that would benefit from increased services. Maintenance Gardener Businesses (MGBs) were determined to have the lowest inspection rate but the highest non-compliance rate when compared to other segments of the pest control industry. MGBs are eight times more likely to be non-compliant when inspected. Outreach/communication, licensing, and frequency of inspection were identified gaps. To facilitate increased outreach and communication, AWM developed a team of inspectors to provide additional services to MGBs with language access. The team developed a packet of information to provide to MGBs, which explains licensing and registration requirements. AWM also provided training to all inspectors to conduct outreach to MGB in field. Since January 2022, 174 packets have been distributed to MGBs.