Big changes for private pesticide applicators coming in 2025

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Big changes are coming for private pesticide applicator training next year.

University of Missouri Extension private pesticide applicator training coordinator Rusty Lee says extension specialists will hold workshops across the state after Jan. 1 to train those who apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs) on owned or rented property. New federal rules change the requirements to earn a private pesticide applicator license to buy, mix or apply these products.

RUPs are pesticides that are classified as the most toxic. They may be bought and applied only by a licensed private applicator. RUPs are not available for purchase or use by the general public.

“Pesticides, while of great benefit to the agricultural industry, can pose risks to humans or the environment if used improperly,” Lee said in a press release. “Proper training ensures the safety of not only the applicator but others and the environment.”

The Environmental Protection Agency, with the Missouri Department of Agriculture as the lead agency in Missouri, has set new licensing requirements that consider age, supervision and completion of a course offered by MU Extension.

In the past, anyone with a license could supervise someone applying pesticides. Now, anyone applying RUPs is required to hold a license.

Attendees of PAT training 18 years and older will receive licenses. Those 16 and 17 years old will receive a provisional license that allows them to apply, but not buy, RUPs.

Existing five-year PAT licenses remain valid until their expiration date, says Lee.

There are additional trainings for those who want to apply RUPs for soil fumigation (Category 21), non-soil fumigation (Category 22) and aerial application (Category 23). Category 22 applies to stored grain and Category 23 covers drones and private airplanes.

These extensive changes apply to Missouri’s nearly 18,000 private pesticide applicators, says Sam Polly, director of the MU Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program.

MU Extension field specialists will offer training sessions across the state after Jan. 1. Classes are estimated to last about four hours or less at a cost of $75 per person.

Producers can opt for an in-person training offered by MU Extension or an online course. Those who feel proficient without training can test at one of the 17 Pearson Vue testing sites in Missouri.

Visit http://muext.us/PAT for information about pesticide applicator training from MU Extension. The list of 2025 trainings will be posted later this winter.

County extension offices will offer access to a computer and the internet with advance notice for those who want to take the course online. For Pearson Vue testing, go to https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/mo/agriculture.html to schedule, or call 866-221-6481 for details.

Visit https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/mp731 for information about available training materials.