By April 1, growers who use general-use pesticides — over-the-counter products with an EPA registration number on the label — in the production of food products must obtain an applicator’s license from the Board of Pesticides Control (BPC).
Maine law requires growers using general-use pesticides who sell $1,000 of plants and/or plant products intended for human consumption to acquire either an Agricultural Basic Applicator license or a Private Applicator license. The law covers growers of fruits, vegetables, herbs and grains for human consumption; growers who make bread, jam, wine, cider, juice, etc., or who sell produce to be processed into such products; and greenhouse growers selling fruit, vegetable and herb seedlings.
The licensing requirement is the result of a law passed by the Maine Legislature in 2011.
“I think there was a general recognition that the 1972 federal standard for licensing of farmers was outdated,” said Rep. James Dill (D-Old Town), the bill’s sponsor. “With the growing concern about food safety, crop residues and the environment, Maine agricultural leaders agreed it was time to be proactive and show consumers that Maine farmers take these issues seriously and have adopted the highest safety standards in the country.”
Both licenses require passing a “core exam,” covering integrated pest management, pesticide safety and related topics. The Private Applicator license requires passing a second exam, focused on a specific crop, such as potatoes, blueberries, apples and small vegetables. The private license allows applicators to use restricted-use, as well as general-use pesticides. These are self-study exams based on manuals available from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Exams can be taken at the BPC office in Augusta (287-2731) or at local Cooperative Extension offices; contact them directly to make arrangements.
UMaine Extension and BPC are teaming up to assist growers who have studied the manuals by providing supplemental training opportunities that cover the core exam subjects. Two training sessions have been scheduled for the Aroostook County area:
• Monday, March 16 from 6-9 p.m. at the UMaine Extension Houlton Office.
• Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Agri-Business Trade Fair to be held at The Forum in Presque Isle.
Additionally, those already with pesticide applicator licenses may attend any of these scheduled trainings to receive three recertification credits.
Growers can take exams without attending supplemental training and rely on the self-study manuals only if they prefer.
Keep in mind that, by definition, a pesticide includes products used to control insects, weeds and diseases, as well as produce rinses that contain disinfectants and products applied to the soil or planting medium to prevent diseases and insect problems.
The cost for a three-year license is $15. Re-licensing requires three hours of continuing education for an Agricultural Basic license and six hours of training for the Private Applicator license.
