Pesticide regulation is undergoing a transformation which has implications for the 1990's. There are three reasons that for this transformation - 1988 Amendments to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), a new view toward risk assessment that stresses local variability instead of national uniformity, and a swing in the public's perception of pesticides and pesticide use. The Agency is developing three programs that take into account local variability - endangered species, ground water and farm worker protection. The Agency is also strengthening the education of certified pesticide applicators to prevent exposure incidents before they happen. Finally, there are legislative proposals that will have major implications for the Agency, including the President's Food Safety Plan, and the joining of agricultural policy and environmental policy.