As many producers know, in order to obtain a pesticide applicators license and purchase Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs), every three years you complete a private pesticide certification program or self-study program. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing stricter standards for people to use RUPs and have determined that use of these RUPs would be safer with increased supervision and oversight, and to require all people who apply RUPs to be at least 18 years old (Nebraska currently requires applicators to be 16 years old). These proposed changes apply to the FIFRA/Certification of Pesticide Applicators Rule.

Information below has been summarized from the Nebraska Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program which I’ve decided to share with you this week, to make you aware and allow you to provide your feedback as the public comment period for the proposed changes to the certification rule will run through November 23, 2015.

Certifications will…