These legislative changes were effective on August 1. The MDA needed some time to update online and paper application forms for different licensures to add the new requirements; hence, the MDA letter went out on August 6th. The MDA had been notifying the pesticide industry about these new changes through recertification workshops and pest industry association meetings.
Will there be a grace period for compliance? The letter states August 1st for compliance. It would be helpful for the MDA to outline their “path” to compliance/enforcement?
The MDA has started communication with pesticide industry on these legislative changes.
Minimum age requirement went in effect on August 1, 2024. Those who have already acquired a license at less than 18 years will remain licensed until their license expires. They will not be able to renew their license if they remain under 18 years old.
Mixer/loader/handler requirement went in effect on August 1, 2024, and MDA will continuously disseminate the information on this new requirement through different channels for the next three years to bring people in compliance who mix/load/handle open RUPs.
These legislative changes were effective on August 1. The MDA needed some time to update online and paper application forms for different licensures to add the new requirements; hence, the MDA letter went out on August 6th. The MDA had been notifying the pesticide industry about these new changes through recertification workshops and pest industry association meetings.
Will there be a grace period for compliance? The letter states August 1st for compliance. It would be helpful for the MDA to outline their “path” to compliance/enforcement?
The MDA has started communication with pesticide industry on these legislative changes.
Minimum age requirement went in effect on August 1, 2024. Those who have already acquired a license at less than 18 years will remain licensed until their license expires. They will not be able to renew their license if they remain under 18 years old.
Mixer/loader/handler requirement went in effect on August 1, 2024, and MDA will continuously disseminate the information on this new requirement through different channels for the next three years to bring people in compliance who mix/load/handle open RUPs.
There will not be a separate “handler” license; Minnesota statute does not allow non-certified applicators to work under the supervision of a certified applicator.
What are the challenges or barriers to implementing these options?
The MDA licensing software shows that there are only handful of certified applicators who are under 18 years and secondly, the MDA has limited the mixer/loader/handler license to those who work with open RUP products. A certified applicator, in addition to application, can mix/load/handle RUP with their current licensure. MDA will be working with the industry to bring these new people (who mix/load/handle RUPs) in compliance for the next three years.
There will not be a separate “handler” license; Minnesota statute does not allow non-certified applicators to work under the supervision of a certified applicator.
What are the challenges or barriers to implementing these options?
The MDA licensing software shows that there are only handful of certified applicators who are under 18 years and secondly, the MDA has limited the mixer/loader/handler license to those who work with open RUP products. A certified applicator, in addition to application, can mix/load/handle RUP with their current licensure. MDA will be working with the industry to bring these new people (who mix/load/handle RUPs) in compliance for the next three years.
The MDA will be working with the industry to bring these new people (who mix/load/handle RUPs) in compliance for the next three years.
How will businesses be supported in meeting these new requirements?
The MDA will be working with the industry to bring these new people (who mix/load/handle RUPs) in compliance for the next three years. The MDA will continue to communicate these new requirements to regulated clientele using, the MDA webpage, mass mailings, emails, recertification workshops, and attend pesticide association meetings.
The MDA will be working with the industry to bring these new people (who mix/load/handle RUPs) in compliance for the next three years.
How will businesses be supported in meeting these new requirements?
The MDA will be working with the industry to bring these new people (who mix/load/handle RUPs) in compliance for the next three years. The MDA will continue to communicate these new requirements to regulated clientele using, the MDA webpage, mass mailings, emails, recertification workshops, and attend pesticide association meetings.
The delivery individuals do not need a license if they are not handling these. However, if an individual is handling the open RUP container, they need a license.
Does the MDA plan to assist businesses in adapting to these requirements?
Yes, the MDA will be working with the industry to bring these new people (who mix/load/handle RUPs) in compliance for the next three years. The MDA will continue to communicate these new requirements to regulated clientele using, the MDA webpage, mass mailings, emails, recertification workshops, and attend pesticide association meetings.
The delivery individuals do not need a license if they are not handling these. However, if an individual is handling the open RUP container, they need a license.
Does the MDA plan to assist businesses in adapting to these requirements?
Yes, the MDA will be working with the industry to bring these new people (who mix/load/handle RUPs) in compliance for the next three years. The MDA will continue to communicate these new requirements to regulated clientele using, the MDA webpage, mass mailings, emails, recertification workshops, and attend pesticide association meetings.
The new requirements will not impact chemical dealers who sell sealed restricted use pesticides to MN end users. However, farmers (private applicator) who apply RUPs on their farm must be 18 years or older and if those who mix/load/handle RUPs and are not certified, they need private certification.
What steps can these small businesses (dealers) take to ensure compliance?
The new requirements will not impact chemical dealers who sell sealed restricted use pesticides to MN end users.
Can you address situations with, repack, returning goods that are in sealed totes or caged tanks.
An individual returning an RUP in sealed container/bag/tote does not need a license. If an individual is a certified applicator and they are returning an open RUP container/bag/tote (full or partial), they do not need an additional license.
The new requirements will not impact chemical dealers who sell sealed restricted use pesticides to MN end users. However, farmers (private applicator) who apply RUPs on their farm must be 18 years or older and if those who mix/load/handle RUPs and are not certified, they need private certification.
What steps can these small businesses (dealers) take to ensure compliance?
The new requirements will not impact chemical dealers who sell sealed restricted use pesticides to MN end users.
Can you address situations with, repack, returning goods that are in sealed totes or caged tanks.
An individual returning an RUP in sealed container/bag/tote does not need a license. If an individual is a certified applicator and they are returning an open RUP container/bag/tote (full or partial), they do not need an additional license.
