By Tana Haugen
Private pesticide applicators who need to renew a certification that ends on March 1, 2023 have through the end of February to do so to keep their certification from expiring. If you are unsure of your applicator status, you can check your certification status here: https://z.umn.edu/PPAlookupMDA
Farmers, who reside in Minnesota and plan to use Restricted Use Pesticides on land or sites for the production of agricultural commodities must renew their certification if it expires on March 1, 2023. The cost is $75 for each option and certification is good for three years. Here are the options to recertify through the end of February:
Option 1: Attend an in-person workshop
They offer a great opportunity to review regulations and safety issues related to pesticide application, while providing you with the latest University research on integrated pest management. A complete list of remaining workshops can be found at www.pat.umn.edu. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required to attend a workshop. Please note we’ve had some changes to the original workshop schedule.
Anyone attending a workshop for recertification must bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Also, bring your Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Card. You must attend the entire workshop to receive recertification credit.
Before heading out to a workshop we encourage you to check for any last-minute updates. A workshop may be canceled or postponed due to facility issues, illness, or bad weather.
- If you pre-registered online, check your email for a cancelation notice, including your Spam or Junk folders, too.
- Call the Farm Information Line at 1-800-232-9077 or fil@umn.edu.
- Visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UmnPsee or Twitter feed @UmnPSEE.
Please note that the Rushford workshop for February 17 was canceled and will not be rescheduled.
Option 2: Attend a live, online Zoom workshop
The online Zoom workshop will be offered on February 28, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. See more details at www.pat.umn.edu. Please note that the Zoom Workshop for February 27 was cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
Option 3: Take the exam online
Take the online exam by going to www.pat.umn.edu and clicking on the “Exam deadlines and instructions” section. The Private Pesticide Applicator Safety Education manual (19th edition), which helps with the exam, is available online.
Option 4: Take the mail-in written exam
You can pick up an exam packet at most county or regional Extension offices. You may also request a printed copy of the Private Pesticide Applicator Safety Education manual (cost of $10) to help with the exam.
Successful completion of any of these options will renew your certification for 3 years.
Are you a new applicator or your certification expired?
If you have never been certified or your certification has already expired, you MUST take the exam either online or by the mail-in option to receive your certification. Exam options close on October 31, 2023. After successfully becoming certified, you will be eligible for recertification options when it is time to renew in 3 years.
Source : umn.edu