The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry is hosting training sessions throughout the province over the next month for farmers to receive their certification to apply seed treatment pesticides.
As of April 1, 2007, individuals who operate equipment to apply seed treatment pesticides to potato seed pieces or cereal grain seed must have a Class D (Seed/Seed-piece Treatment) Pesticide Applicator Certificate. This includes anyone who calibrates seed treatment equipment and oversees its operation, including the addition of pesticide to the hopper. A Class A (Agricultural) Pesticide Applicator Certificate or an AG-1 Pesticide Use Certificate is not sufficient to apply seed treatment pesticides.
The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry is offering two options for agricultural producers to receive the certification: they may attend a half-day training session or complete a written examination.
Individuals who attend one of 10 upcoming training sessions on the application of seed treatment pesticides will receive a Class D Pesticide Applicator Certificate which is valid for five years. There is no charge for the training sessions and a manual is provided to all participants. No examination is required.
Training sessions are being offered as follows:
• Charlottetown – February 23, 1:30-4 p.m., at the Research Station; and March 7, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Farm Centre
• O’Leary, Access PEI – February 26, 9-11:30 a.m. and March 2, 1:30-4 p.m.
• Summerside, Slemon Park Conference Centre – February 26, 1:30-4 p.m. and March 1, 9-11:30 a.m.
• Souris, Access PEI – February 28, 9-11:30 a.m. and March 6, 1:30-4 p.m.
• Montague, Access PEI – February 28, 1:30-4 p.m. and March 6, 9-11:30 a.m.
You must pre-register by calling Ken Lingley at (902) 432-0022. A photo ID will be required at the session.
Individuals who do not attend a training session can receive their Class D Pesticide Applicator Certificate by completing a written examination with a mark of 75% or greater. There is no cost to complete the exam. To receive a copy of the training materials and arrange an examination time, contact the Pesticide Regulatory Program at 620-3110 or 368-5053.