Pesticide Applicators to See Licensing Changes

by Cindy Folck, Ohio State University

"The simplification undertaken by ODA has reduced the number of licensing categories from 13 to only seven. growers who produce a variety of food crops will now only need one category for fruit and vegetable crops. USDA Photo by Keith Weller. " COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio private pesticide applicators will see changes this fall in their licensing categories. A pesticide license is required for farmers who use restricted-use pesticides in their farming operation. "The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has simplified the categories for private applicators," said Joanne Kick-Raack, Ohio State University Extension state director for the Pesticide Safety Education Program. “The change will mean fewer exams for new applicators and many current license holders will have fewer categories for recertification.” The simplification undertaken by ODA has reduced the number of licensing categories from 13 to only seven. This consolidation reflects the changing needs of Ohio farming operations. Several smaller-use categories have been combined for applicators. For example, growers who produce a variety of food crops will now only need one category for fruit and vegetable crops. The new categories for a private license include Category 1: Grain and Cereal Crops; Category 2: Forage Crops and Livestock; Category 3: Fruit and Vegetable Crops; Category 4: Nursery and Forestry Crops; Category 5: Greenhouse Crops; Category 6: Fumigation; and Category 7: Specialty Uses. Some applicators will have fewer categories on their license, but will still be able to purchase and use the same pesticide products. The specialty categories of seed treatment, non-cropland, aquatics,tobacco and wood preservation were consolidated into the first six categories. This means an applicator would be able to purchase materials for these applications with at least one category on their license. For example, an applicator with Category 1 on their license will still be able to purchase products for grain crops but also be able to buy products to treat seed and manage their stored grain, non-crop areas and ponds on their farm. Tobacco and wood preservation were also consolidated. Category 7 represents specialty uses. This category is only for applicators that do not have the first six categories on their license. An example would be someone who only does wood preservation on lumber and does not need any other crop categories. Their license would reflect this by only having Category 7. If an applicator has any other category on their license, they do not need Category 7. Kick-Raack said the Core category, which covers safety and stewardship for pesticide use remains unchanged and is required for all applicators. Recertification will still require a total of three hours of training. If applicators have questions, they can contact their local OSU Extension educator. More detailed information about the new categories is also available at the Pesticide Safety Education Program website at http://pested.osu.edu or the ODA website at http://ohioagriculture.gov.