Source: Adam Austing, University of Minnesota Extension
Farmers with Private Pesticide Applicator certifications (PPA) that expire on March 1, 2022, will need to renew that license for the 2022 growing season. The process to renew your license remains similar to what it has been from previous years with a few newer options for 2022. Farmers can renew permits again this year by 1 of 5 options.
1) Attend an “In-Person Renewal Workshop” conducted by University of Minnesota Extension staff. Pre-registration must be done online at pat.umn.edu, 3 days prior to the workshop to ensure we have enough space to accommodate everyone. Walk-ins are still welcome provided that we have enough space. Bring an official picture ID, such as a driver’s license, your current permit card if you have one, and a check to pay the $75 permit fee. You must arrive on time and stay for the entire workshop. Anyone 15 minutes late or leaves before workshop completion will not get credit for the workshop. You can attend any workshop that is convenient. Be sure to check the mailed newsletter for locations that may have Covid-19 restrictions. Workshop locations are listed in the mailed newsletters and at the UMN Extension Pesticide Safety website, pat.umn.edu.
2) Take the written exam that is available at your local County Extension offices. The 19th Edition Manual is the current reference for the exam and is available for $10 at your local County Extension office. Mail the $75 permit fee along with your test answer sheet in the envelope provided. Please call prior to stopping by local offices, as appointments might be necessary.
3) Take the exam online by going to the University of Minnesota Extension website and looking under the Private Pesticide applicators page. The $75 permit fee is paid by credit card and the manual can be viewed online. The online exam will open January 5.
4) Take the self-paced Canvas Course. This course will take you through the educational modules that you can complete at your own pace. This course must be finished within the timeframe noted on your registration form. You must register and complete all required components by no later than February 28, 2022 to receive credit. Registration is at pat.umn.edu under the “Self-paced course” tab. The $75 fee is paid by credit card online.
5) Attend a live online Zoom Recertification Workshop. You must pre-register to attend the Zoom workshop. Check-in time starts 30-minutes prior to the start of the workshop, and you must have your applicator license on hand and available. You must have an internet connected device with a video camera and sound. Participation is required. All Zoom Workshops are limited to 50 people and on a first come first serve basis. You must remain online for the entirety of the workshop to receive credit. The $75 fee is paid by credit card online. First time Private Pesticide Applicators or those with certifications that expired prior to March 1,2022 must use option 2 or 3 to be certified. The Private Applicators certificate is for farm operators who are applying restricted use pesticide products on their fields. This includes different herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and other pest control products labeled “Restricted Use”. Registration for these workshops is strongly encouraged to secure your seat.
Renewal workshops in Wright, McLeod and Meeker counties include:
● Paynesville, Friday January 21, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Paynesville American Legion, 770 Diekmann Drive.
● Hutchinson, Thursday February 3, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hutchinson Event Center, 1005 Highway 15 S.
● Buffalo, Thursday, February 10, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Wright County Highway Department, 3600 Braddock Ave NE.
For questions about the Private Pesticide Applicator Certification process, call your local County Extension Office. In Wright County call 763-682-7394, in McLeod County call 320-484-4334, and in Meeker County call 320-693-5275. In case of inclement weather, call either the Farm Information Line at 800-232-9077, or the coordinating U of M Extension Office before getting on the road. Always use your best judgement with the weather. For related questions, please feel free to email me at aausting@umn.edu, or call at 682-763-7381.