By Blake Jackson
University of Missouri Extension will offer a virtual training session for commercial pesticide applicators seeking Category 1A Plant Agriculture recertification. This online training addresses the high demand for accessible recertification options.
“This training is due to the high demand for follow-up recertification training,” said Samuel Polly, pesticide safety education program coordinator. “Previously, MU Extension could only offer in-person training, but applicator feedback and post-surveys indicated the need to reinstate virtual training, and we responded to meet this need.”
The virtual session will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, March 3rd. Participants will review competency standards for the commercial core and plant agriculture category, including professionalism, nozzle selection, personal protective equipment, Endangered Species Act compliance, relevant laws and regulations, and modern agronomic pest management.
This training is mandatory for commercial pesticide applicators to legally purchase and use restricted-use pesticides, as mandated by the Missouri Pesticide Use Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Recertification is required every three years to maintain licensure.
The registration deadline is Sunday, March 2nd. Interested applicators can register online. For technical assistance, contact the MU Conference Office at muconf9@missouri.edu.
For questions regarding pesticide regulations, contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture Pesticide Program at 573-751-5504.
This virtual format offers a convenient way for commercial applicators to fulfill their recertification requirements and stay up to date on best practices.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Education