Navigating the NYS DEC: How to Get Your Certified Pesticide Applicator License
Jim O'Connell, Small Fruit and Grape Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
As a grape grower in the Northeast, one of your biggest challenges is combating the insects, diseases, and other pests invading your vineyard. Although you do not need a license to purchase or use some pesticides, obtaining your certified pesticide applicator license will give you access to more materials that you can add to your pest combatting-arsenal.
Do I need a license?
Pesticides are divided into two groups:
General use pesticide: A pesticide that may be purchased and used by the general public.
Restricted use pesticide (RUP): Only certified pesticide applicators are allowed to buy these materials, and only certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision may apply them.
Long story short, to apply RUPs you will need a certified pesticide applicator license.
What type of license do I need?
How do I get my license?
First, make sure you meet the requirements
If you need a commercial license, but do not meet the requirements, you can be a technician or apprentice first, then upgrade to certified applicator later. (Requirements on the NYS DEC Website)
Technician: may use most general use pesticides without direct supervision and RUPs under direct supervision of a certified commercial pesticide applicator. May NOT supervise.
Apprentice: a person engaged in commercial application of pesticides but does not meet the technician or certified applicator requirements.
Next, take the appropriate exam.
Find your DEC region here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/about/558.html
Find an exam here (search by region): http://www.dec.ny.gov/nyspad/find?1&tab=EXAMS
To pass the exam, study the CORE and Category Manuals. You can purchase them here: https://www.cornellstore.com/books
How do I maintain my license?
After receiving your pesticide applicator license, you'll have to maintain it by proving you are continuing to get updated education on proper use of pesticides. You can do this by earning recertification credits or by taking the recertification exam at the end of your certification cycle.
All of the information above on how to obtain and maintain a license is available in more detail on the NYS DEC website http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/45618.html
Your regional DEC person welcomes any questions you have as you navigate the application process. Information on the DEC Regions website https://www.dec.ny.gov/about/558.html
Apples
Apricots
Asparagus
Beets
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cherries
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Grapes
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Nectarines
Onions
Parsnips
Peaches
Pears
Peas
Peppers
Plums
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Raspberries / Blackberries
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Strawberries
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
Farm Financial Management Tuesdays - Planning for a Change or Exiting Your Farm Business
November 30, 2021 : Assessing the Financial Ramifications of and Options for Significant Change to Your Farm Business
The inflationary economy is upon us! The huge influx of money into the US economy following the COVID-19 pandemic has manufactured high prices and in turn increased operating costs for farm business thus forcing many businesses into net operating loss situations. Other farms are facing high labor costs or chronic labor shortages. Some farms have taken on debt loads that make these increased costs unaffordable. Depending on the stage in the business lifecycle, it may make sense to change enterprises or exit the farming business entirely.
Join CCE ENYCH Ag Business Educator, Elizabeth Higgins, and CAAHP Ag Business Educator, Dayton Maxwell, for a one-hour program to learn about the financial aspects of changing or exiting a farm business.
December 7, 2021 : The Family and Emotional Component; Shifting Business Direction and Life After Farming
As farm business enterprises are changed or disbanded, the emotional stress can be tremendous, especially when individuals and family members maintain diminished assurance relative to future security.
Join Gabriel Gurley and Brenda O'Brien of New York FarmNet for a one-hour program focused on successfully navigating the emotional turmoil of a family farm business transition.
December 14, 2021 : New Venture Creation; Shifting Business Direction and Life After Farming
Change creates opportunity and new opportunities are certain when farm businesses change or end.
Join Gabriel Gurley of New York FarmNet for a one-hour overview of identifying ways and means to capitalize on new opportunities resulting from farm business transitions.
Remote Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course - Dec 2021
December 8 - December 9, 2021
A grower training course developed by the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) that meets the regulatory requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) for farms subject to the Produce Safety Rule. All farms are welcome to attend to learn about recommended food safety practices for growing, handling, and storing fresh produce. Course registration fee includes a course manual and certificate of course completion by the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO).
Tax Management for Beginning and Small Farm Businesses
January 18, 2022
Tax Management for Beginning and Small Farm Businesses.
A one-night virtual meeting for beginning and part-time farmers that provides useful tax information enabling participants to be make better tax decisions for their business. Federal and state income taxes will be covered. Tax regulations specific to NYS will be covered as well.