Marion Barnes, Senior County Extension Agent
After a break from in-person programming due to the pandemic, agricultural producers are again attending Extension meetings. Agricultural producers who purchase and apply restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) must be certified in the safe use and application of pesticide control products. The SC Pesticide Control Act requires all private, commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators certified in South Carolina to meet recertification requirements every five years to maintain their applicators’ licenses.
Recertification is designed as a form of continuing education and training to ensure that pesticide applicators are updated and informed of the latest information on the safe and environmentally responsible application of pesticides on their farms. The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service conducts recertification workshops and trainings for private, commercial, and noncommercial applicators. Recertification credits are also available at appropriate production meetings and field days.
In July, Colleton County Extension Pesticide Applicator Coordinator, Marion Barnes, conducted four recertification trainings for private pesticide applicators. Sixty-eight applicators attended the trainings and received three continuing certification hours (cch). Nine landowners and agricultural producers also attended an initial pesticide applicators training session to obtain their private pesticide licenses..
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
