When the need arises to apply chemicals to crops in the United States, not just anyone can do it. Pesticides, which include insecticides and herbicides, have both federal and local regulations governing private applicators.<\/p>\n
Certifying agencies differ across the country, and the certification process differs from state to state, but all fall under the regulation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).<\/span><\/p>\n Federal law requires anyone applying or administering restricted use pesticides to be certified by the EPA. These chemicals include pesticides not available to the general public and present environmental risks if applied improperly.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The certification process ensures an applicator has the necessary job knowledge and skills to protect himself and the environment,\u00e2\u20ac\ufffd said Leo Reed, manager of certification and licensing for the Office of Indiana State Chemist, the licensing agency in the state of Indiana.<\/span><\/p>\n Lack of compliance could result in warnings or civil penalties, Reed said.<\/span><\/p>\n Indiana uses a closed book, proctored exam for initial certification. Farmers have the opportunity to attend recertification classes to refresh themselves on emerging issues and technology.<\/span><\/p>\n In August 2015, EPA proposed new certification standards to increase safety that include:<\/span><\/p>\n Kansas farmer and rancher Douglas Patterson said the proposed changes are more strenuous, but he expects minimal implications for his farm.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Some equipment might have to be modified for handling and disposal of containers,\u00e2\u20ac\ufffd he said.<\/span><\/p>\n Staying aware of such changes is challenging, but he relies on emails from agricultural publications and governing agencies for updates.<\/span><\/p>\n Although Patterson\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s certification currently covers all farm workers, both his son and son-in-law are earning licenses. He urged all farmers to obtain certification.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a learning process because we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re using different things to handle different plants,\u00e2\u20ac\ufffd Patterson said. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153If we didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t use the science and business of pesticides, we would definitely be at a loss for the food we could produce, and the public would be at risk for health issues and damaged crops.\u00e2\u20ac\ufffd <\/span><\/p>\n\n