Most people that produce agricultural products for a living have a private pesticide applicators license.  This allows you to apply “Restricted Use” pesticides to your land or land that you farm.  it also allows you to oversee others in application of the same pesticides on the land that you farm.  It does not allow you to apply pesticides to others land or other areas for a fee.  To do that you would need a commercial pesticide applicators license as well as insurance.

Due to mandates passed down by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Georgia is required to adhere to more stringent pesticide applicator certification criteria. Below are some of the changes that could go into effect as early as January 1, 2017

  • The new testing procedure will require a computer with internet access and approximately 4 hours of the applicators time to complete several modules and a test.
  • Private applicators will be required to pay a fee (fee has not been determined) to complete the new testing.
  • Recertification credits required to retain an active pesticide applicators license will likely increase.
  • The length of time to obtain recertification credits will likely be reduced.
  • Licenses will only be issued to those who actively produce agricultural products.

My suggestion to all of our producers is to chck the status of your license at https://www.kellysolutions.com/GA/Applicators/searchbyconame.asp.

If you need recertification hours contact your County Agent. If your license will expire prior to January 1, 2017 you can opt to retake the test under the current system. Under this system there is no fee and the testing is not as rigorous.

Remember that a private pesticide license is only necessary if you purchase and or use “Restricted Use” pesticides on your farm. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Posted in: