Farmer Pesticide Certificate Program 2021 update

Jan 28, 2021

This program covers important aspects of pesticide use on farms.

‘Like most things in 2020, the Farmer Pesticide Certificate Program has undergone some changes,’ says Devon Smiegielski, pesticide certification specialist with Alberta Environment and Parks. ‘The training material and information regarding the program is now housed on the Alberta Environment and Parks website.’

New and recertifying applicators will continue to work through their agricultural fieldman to obtain farmer certification.

‘Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, certified trainers are permitted to offer the training course online, provided participation is tracked through either the use of video or polls and quizzes.’

The duration of the training will remain the same length of 8 hours regardless if the training occurs online or in person. Smiegielski adds all exams will be administered in person following the Alberta Heath Services guidelines and restrictions at the time.

Trainers who require more information, attendance sheets or temporary certificates should contact pesticide certification specialist Devon Smiegielski.

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.