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Our goal is to train and certify pesticide applicators so they will be competent to use pesticides in a manner that will not harm themselves, the general public, or the environment. The project will train private applicators (farmers, ranchers, etc.) that use pesticides to raise crops and other agricultural commodities and people that apply pesticides for commercial/public purposes (pesticide dealers and custom applicators, researchers, public health officials). <P>At the time of this writing, there are approximately 20,300 licensed private applicators and 5,000 active commercial applicators in Arkansas. The project anticipates certifying/recertifying 4,500 private applicators and about 2,500 commercial applicators in the fiscal year. County agents also report that well over 50,000 individuals every year receive some form of pesticide safety education other than recertification training. This training will be accomplished via approximately 150 educational meetings conducted by county Extension staff and state Extension specialists.
Non-Technical Summary:<br/>
The goal and ultimate impact of pesticide safety education is insure individuals use the latest technology and information to handle pesticides (includes purchasing, mixing, applying, and disposal) in a responsible manner. Using pesticides responsibly helps protect applicators, other people, and the environment from potential problems. By practicing pesticide stewardship, applicators can also help reduce the risks associated with pest management in food, feed, and fiber production.
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Approach:<br/>
Private applicators will be certified/recertified at two to three hour pesticide applicator training PSEP sessions conducted statewide by county agents. The PSEP training includes information on pesticide labeling, safety precautions, first aid, protective gear, storage, handling, disposal, integrated pest management, environmental concerns, application equipment and calibration, groundwater protection, pesticide recordkeeping, and spray drift management. There are approximately 20,300 private pesticide applicators that must receive training for recertification at least once every five years. The training sessions for commercial/non-commercial consist of three to six hours of training covering essentially the same topics as listed above for private applicators. Commercial applicators must be recertified every 3 years. The training programs for the commercial and noncommercial applicators emphasize professionalism, human safety, and environmental safety. Tests are required to obtain initial certification. The Arkansas State Plant Board administers the tests.