Pesticide Training Classes

Winter is the time when many farmers are seeking new or renewing their private pesticide applicator’s certificate. So, a few reminders:

PRIVATE APPLICATOR RECERTIFICATION TRAINING - 2008

--The private pesticide applicator’s certificate is issued by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA). It allows you to purchase and use restricted use pesticides on your own property.

--To maintain the certificate, you must attend (2) two hours of approved training once every (3) three years. MDA prefers if you attend a training during the final of the (3) three years. Of course, you may certainly attend more training.

--Many winter educational meetings include recertification credits. Check with the organizer of your favorite field crops, hay, or vegetable meeting to see if credits are available. Then, don’t forget to sign the appropriate form before you leave the meeting!

--Most counties in Maryland offer specific recertification trainings during the winter. Attending one of these two-hour sessions will meet the requirement for recertification.

--If you cannot attend a recertification session before your certificate expires, don’t worry. As long as you can attend a session soon afterwards (within a few months), MDA will accept your attendance. However, you cannot purchase or use restricted use pesticides from the time your certificate expires and when you receive your new certificate in the mail.

--Check back for the 2008 class date.

NEW PRIVATE APPLICATOR TRAINING - 2008

    Anyone interested in a private applicators' certificate must pass a written exam offered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture and pay a fee to receive the certificate. Study materials are available from the Maryland Cooperative Extension (MCE) county offices.

    The MCE offices also offer optional pre-exam training to landowners wishing to take the exam. The exam is then scheduled at the office a week or two after the training. Farmers can also make arrangements with MDA to take the exam in Annapolis.

    Check back for the dates of these classes in 2008.

Thank you.

For more information, contact Carolyn Kulp

Last updated: 03/10/2009