It is the intent of the Legislature that the responsibilities of the center include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
(a)
Establishing multidisciplinary, long-term research priorities for the University of California which focus on the application of ecologically based, environmentally sound prevention, control, and eradication practices against pests which pose a significant threat to the welfare of California’s agricultural, forest, or urban settings.
(b)
Recommending how pest research funds obtained by the center on or after January 1, 1991, should be allocated within the University of California.
(c)
Encouraging the use of biological controls, integrated pest management, sustainable agriculture, and other alternative pest management methods to combat pests, and, thereby, reducing exposure to toxic substances in air, water, and soil.
(d)
Supporting basic and applied pest research, including practical field trials and awarding competitive grants, when economically feasible, and other projects administered by the center.
(e)
Developing information systems that enable academics, farmers, and public policymakers to quickly analyze and apply pest research data.
(f)
Providing information and advice to the department, county agricultural commissioners, the agricultural community, and other interested parties concerning pest prevention and detection through outreach consultation, information dissemination, education services, demonstrations, seminars, and publications.
(g)
Printing and distributing information related to center-sponsored and other University of California pest management research projects.