Private Applicator Fumigation Endorsement Program

Any Private Pesticide Applicator in Minnesota using fumigants in an on-farm operation for stored grain (Non-Soil Fumigation) or to fumigate a field (Soil Fumigation) must be a currently certified private pesticide applicator and also obtain either a Non-Soil Fumigation Endorsement or a Soil Fumigation Endorsement for Private Pesticide Applicator Certification.

Fumigant labels require applicators to comply with specified safety practices and required personal protective equipment. Applicators must follow fumigant label use directions to minimize health and environmental risks. Good grain storage practices can reduce the need to fumigate stored grain. Purchase of fumigants requires proof of Private Applicator Certification and Fumigation Endorsement.

The Environmental Protection Agency has reclassified all soil fumigants into the restricted use category. Soil fumigation use in Minnesota is limited to just a few active ingredients.

Applicator Certification

When Private Pesticide Applicator Certification expires a person must retest or attend a recertification workshop and pay fees to renew.

Receiving Endorsement

Non-Soil Fumigation:  To receive a private Non-Soil Fumigation Endorsement you must pass a closed book test administered by the MDA or a County Agricultural Inspector. This endorsement expires along with the date of your Private Pesticide Applicator certification, regardless of when the endorsement is acquired.

Soil Fumigation:  To receive a private Soil Fumigation Endorsement you must pass a closed book test administered by the MDA. This endorsement expires along with the date of your Private Pesticide Applicator certification, regardless of when the endorsement is acquired.

Locations: Schedule an exam at MDA or at a Greater Minnesota testing location with electronic testing.

Re-endorsement: A person can recertify for an endorsement by retesting. Fumigation re-endorsement is the same as the initial endorsement. There is no charge for Private Applicators to take the Non-Soil or Soil Fumigation exam. There is a $5.00 charge to reprint identification cards with new dates of endorsement. To avoid duplicate fees, the MDA will delay printing your identification card until you pass the Fumigation Endorsement exam. Please contact the MDA Licensing & Certification Unit at 651/201-6615 for information.

Things To Know

Before purchasing any fumigant, you must read  and follow all label instructions. Fumigant labels identify what you must do in order to apply the product effectively and in order to minimize health and environmental risk. Labels will specify the required Personal Protective Equipment and whether a Fumigant Management Plan is needed. See the links below for additional information.

More Information

• Certified Private Applicator record keeping – Restricted Use 
• Pesticide Registered Product Search 
• Soil Fumigant Safety Measures
• Minnesota Pesticide Applicator Training Coordinator at the University of Minnesota Extension Service, ppathelp@umn.edu, or contact your local county extension office.
• Category N and Category O study materials available at University of Minnesota Study Manual webpage  
• Private Applicator Look up 
• Fumigation FAQs 
• Fumigation Management Plan Template | Nebraska Department of Agriculture (PDF)