By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri Extension is offering an online noncertified restricted-use pesticide (NRUP) applicator training session on May 21, 2025.
This online training, set to run from 3 to 5 p.m. via Zoom, is designed to help agricultural workers comply with new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.
Specifically, the training targets employees who are loaders, mixers, and handlers of restricted-use pesticides working under the supervision of a licensed commercial applicator.
Rusty Lee, a field agronomist with MU Extension, explained that the online training addresses the needs of agricultural businesses that faced a shortage of trained employees.
“We’ve seen trained applicators retire or leave since the training, and new employees have been hired to fill those spots and need training to comply with state and federal regulations,” Lee said.
The online course will cover the same material as in-person training, including understanding pesticide labels, application techniques, safe chemical storage and disposal, and protecting pollinators and wildlife.
This certification will allow employees to legally apply restricted-use pesticides or assess their need under the direct supervision of a certified commercial applicator.
The training is part of an ongoing effort by MU Extension to support the agricultural industry by providing essential resources and training.
Registration for the training is available online at the MU Extension website. For more details, contact your local MU Extension agronomist.
To register for the online training session, visit - MU Extension NRUP Registration.
Photo Credit: university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, Business