Pesticide News & Updates
Updated 9/19/2025 The EPA has finalized two strategies (Herbicides and Insecticides) to protect endangered species. These strategies have resulted in new pesticide label requirements. To help applicators and agricultural landowners understand and implement these changes, the MDA has created a series of webpages focused on the new language.
To learn more about the Endangered Species Act and what the updated label language means for you, visit the MDA’s Pesticides and the Endangered Species Act webpages.
For questions after reviewing the information, please contact us at: PTU.MDA@state.mn.us.
The MDA is soliciting public comments on proposed revisions to the Minnesota Pesticide Management Plan (PMP) (50 SR 58). The PMP was first published in 1996 and last revised in 2007. The MDA announced in December 2019 it was revising and updating the PMP (44 SR 773).
The MDA requests comments focus on the proposed revisions; comments regarding the core content of the PMP are considered outside the scope of this notice. Comments will be received for 60 days, ending on September 19, 2025.
Written comments, questions, and requests for more information on the PMP revisions can be submitted on or before September 19, 2025. Comments should be submitted by letter or e-mail (Subject: PMP Revisions Comment) to:
Kathleen Hall
Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North, Saint Paul, MN, 55155
Kathleen.Hall@state.mn.us
Updated 4/21/2025
The MDA has launched a collection of StoryMaps to share over 30 years of the pesticide water quality monitoring data in an accessible, interactive, and user-friendly format. The StoryMaps allow users to see where pesticides have been detected in Minnesota, find out which pesticides were found at specific sites, compare levels to water quality standards, and track changes in monitoring chemicals over time. Access the StoryMaps. For more information, contact PTU.MDA@state.mn.us.
Updated 4/21/2025
When using pesticides in Minnesota, it’s important to know who to contact when you have questions regarding regulations, registration, or other concerns. The MDA offers specialized resources to help guide pesticide users through the process and ensure compliance with state laws. Here’s a quick guide to who to contact at the MDA for specific pesticide-related questions: Who to contact at MDA for pesticide questions (University of Minnesota Extension - Minnesota Crop News)
Updated 4/21/2025
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are transforming the way pesticide applicators manage field crops. Using UAVs for pesticide spraying allows applicators to make more precise applications and reduce input costs. However, before you can use a UAV for pesticide application, you’ll need to meet several important license or certification related requirements. Here's what you need to know to get started: Getting Started with UAVs for Pesticide Applications (University of Minnesota Extension - Minnesota Crop News).
Updated 4/17/2025
Dicamba products XtendiMax®, Engenia®, and Tavium®, formerly registered for over-the-top (OTT) use on dicamba-tolerant (DT) soybeans in Minnesota, can no longer be sold, distributed, or used in 2025. Existing stocks can be returned to registrants or properly disposed of through the MDA’s waste pesticide collection program. For more information, visit the MDA’s Dicamba website, or contact us at Pesticide.Registration.MDA@state.mn.us.
Updated 4/17/2025
The herbicide acetochlor, found in products such as Tripleflex, SureStart, Warrant, and Harness, has increasingly been detected above the state’s chronic water quality standard (≈ 3.6ppb) in many rivers and streams in southern Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is reviewing acetochlor monitoring data and is considering whether these waterways should be proposed to the EPA to be added to the impaired waters list. This could affect future acetochlor use in the region. If using acetochlor we encourage you to follow the MDA’s Water Quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Acetochlor (PDF) to protect water quality. For more information, contact PTU.MDA@state.mn.us.
Pesticide Overview
The MDA regulates the sale, use and disposal of pesticides. The State of Minnesota defines a pesticide as follows:
Pes·ti·cide (noun): a substance or mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate a pest, and a substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant. (MINN. STAT. 18B.01)
Pesticides may be either chemical substances or biological agents, and have a broad range of uses. Pesticides are often used to control weeds (herbicides), insects (insecticides), and plant diseases (fungicides). Other pesticides registered for use in Minnesota are chemicals not commonly thought of as pest control agents, such as bleach and antimicrobial household sprays used to sanitize surfaces.
Applicator License
Selling Pesticides in Minnesota
Pesticides must first be registered by the MDA before they can be sold or distributed in the state. Individuals wishing to sell or distribute pesticides must obtain a Pesticide Dealer License.
Product Registration
Both agricultural pesticides and non-agricultural pesticides must be registered with the MDA before they can be sold or distributed in the state. Product registrations expire December 31 of each year. Renewal applications must be postmarked before January 1 to avoid a penalty fee. The MDA also conducts special registration reviews.
Use Complaints
A team of statewide inspectors is available to conduct routine inspections and enforcement checks, provide compliance assistance and investigate agricultural chemical use complaints. Learn more about the complaint process and access the complaint forms.
