Private Pesticide Applicator certification

Posted on: Fri, 01/08/2010 - 15:20 — mwidboom

If you need to renew your Private Pesticide Applicator certification, you can do so by attending one of the upcoming recertification workshops sponsored by University of MN Extension.  These workshops offer a great opportunity to review regulations and safety issues related to pesticide application, as well as provide you with the latest University research in integrated pest management.

You need to renew your private pesticide applicator certification in 2010 if you:
.       Apply pesticides to land or sites you own, rent or lease for the production of agriculture commodities and
.       Plan to use Restricted Use Pesticides and
.       Reside in the state of Minnesota and
.       Your certification expires in 2010

Recertification workshops scheduled for Southwestern Minnesota include:
.       Feb 2, Pipestone, MN West Community & Technical College-Rm 127: 12:30 - 4:00 pm
.       Feb 4, Slayton, Murray County 4-H Bldg:  12:30 - 4:00 pm
.       Feb 5, Redwood Falls, Public Health Bldg:  12:30 - 4:00 pm
.       Feb 8, Albert Lea, Fair Lane Bldg at the Fairgrounds:  12:30 - 4:00 pm
.       Feb 9, Fairmont, Knights of Columbus:  12:30 - 4:00 pm
.       Feb 12, Marshall, Best Western Inn:  12:30 - 4:00 pm
.       Feb 19, Montevideo, American Legion:  12:30 - 4:00 pm
.       Feb 22, Jackson, American Legion: 12:30 - 4:00 pm
.       Feb 23, Sleepy Eye, Extension Office:  12:30 - 4:00 pm
.       Feb 25, Worthington, Nobles County Government Center, Farmers Room:  9:00 - 12:30 pm
For a complete listing of workshops offered throughout the state, check the U of MN Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education website at http://www.extension.umn.edu/pesticides or call the Farm Information Line at 1-800-232-9077.  In case of inclement weather, please check these sources for any weather-related updates.

Registration for the recertification workshops will be taken at the door and no pre-registration is required.  Anyone attending a workshop for recertification must bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport.  Bringing your Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Card will assist in the registration process as well.

Attending a recertification workshop renews your certification for 3 years.  Please note you must attend the entire workshop to meet recertification requirements.

For those who are unable to attend a workshop or would rather retest for recertification, two other options exist.  You may either complete the test as a home study course (books and tests available at most County Extension Offices) or you may complete the test on-line at http://www.pat.umn.edu.

The cost to recertify, either by attending a recertification workshop or retesting is $50.  A farmer who is not currently certified (i.e. becoming certified for the first time or their certification expired in 2009 or earlier) is required to first take the test to become certified.

Workshop topics will include:
.       Pesticide Laws and Regulations & Record Keeping
.       Personal Protective Equipment
.       Applicator Health Effects
.       Application Equipment and Calibration
.       Current Crop and Pest Issues

Please contact Lizabeth Stahl, Extension Educator in Crops (507-372-3900/888-241-4635, or stah0012@umn.edu) if you have any questions or need further information about these workshops.

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Lizabeth Stahl is an Extension Educator in Crops with University of Minnesota Extension