1) Once an applicator has his/her private applicator certification, can they apply dicamba and paraquat?
All applicators must follow pesticide label directions. We are in constant communication with EPA regarding pesticide label statements for these products and have requested clarification from EPA on the requirements of the federal label as they pertain to distinction of ‘use’ by private vs. commercial applicators. However, there has been no change to label requirements granted thus far.
A) Do they receive their applicator license number at that point? I have heard applicators need to input that number when they apply chemicals like dicamba
.
Applicators will be able to get their certified applicator number and pesticide company license number through the online pesticide portal.
These recent challenges have slowed the processing of paper submissions. Processing of paper submissions for private pesticide certifications are very close to being caught up and available through the online pesticide portal. There continues to be a delay in processing paper submissions for commercial applicator certifications and the team is working to complete them as soon as possible.
B) If they don’t receive their applicator number online (after they’ve paid for a license), is there a way they can continue to utilize those chemicals, while waiting?
No, the applicator must follow all product label requirements. Dicamba and paraquat labels require a completed certification and applicator number.
2) After the proclamation expires, will there be any kind of grace period for the new commercial applicators that haven’t yet been able to take their in-person tests?
The regulatory relief only applies through the duration of the proclamation and any extensions. We recognize this as a potential issue and are in constant communication with the Governor’s office. We will work with her team to look for solutions to help ease the transition.
3) Can a person who already has a private applicators license go to work as a commercial applicator for an ag retailer only during this declaration period?
Yes, the provisions of the general supervision requirements apply to all private certified applicators. This includes all current private certified applicators, new private certified applicators, and private certified applicators who were certified as of 12/31/19. This regulatory relief only applies through the duration of this proclamation and any further extensions.
4) Is there any additional regulatory relief for aerial applicators since the commercial applicator waiver doesn’t apply to them?
Not at this time. Aerial applicators requirements go beyond the agricultural pesticide applicator categories (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) and are outlined in a separate category (11), which means the standards of competency for aerial applicators are different than those of agricultural categories.
