Private pesticide applicators holding licenses that expire in 2016, as well as anyone seeking first-time private applicator certification, can contact their local Nebraska Extension office for information on pesticide safety education training sessions that begin in January.
Licensed private pesticide applicators can buy and use restricted-use pesticides in their farming operations after completing this training. About 7,000 private applicators statewide are eligible for recertification in 2016.
"The main topics that applicators will learn about are Nebraska's pesticide laws and regulations, the pesticide label, personal safety, the worker protection standard, environmental protection, integrated pest management, pesticides and application, application equipment and equipment calibration," said Nebraska Extension pesticide safety educator Clyde Ogg.
Private applicators needing recertification in 2016 should receive a letter notifying them of that fact from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in mid-December. The letter includes a bar code, which eliminates the need to complete the standard NDA application form for those wanting to recertify.
"All who are eligible for recertification will also be notified by their local Nebraska Extension office of recertification training sessions in their area," Ogg said.
Applicators should check their licenses for the expiration date. If it expires in 2016 and they have not yet received a letter from NDA, contact them at 402-471-2351 or 877-800-4080.
Nebraska Extension provides the educational training for recertification, while NDA is responsible for licensing. The cost of extension training is $30 per person.
Source:unl.edu