A private applicator is an applicator who applies restricted-use pesticides by ground application for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by the applicator or the applicator’s employer. Most private applicators are farmers, greenhouse and/or nursery operators. All other applicators who use restricted use pesticides are considered commercial applicators.
Minimum age for all pesticide applicators is 18 years including those applying restricted-use pesticides. An exception is made for those of a minimum age of 16 years being supervised by a certified private applicator who is a member of their immediate family.
NEWS
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is extending some deadlines for pesticide applicators.
Private pesticide applicator certifications that were due to expire June 30 will be extended for 90 days, remaining valid until Oct. 2, 2023.
For commercial pesticide applicators certified in service categories C01-C14, and C16, the deadline for completing continuing education credits (CEUs) for the three year period that ran from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023, has also been extended for 90 days. Commercial applicator CEUs for this time period must now be completed by Oct. 2, 2023.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is transitioning to a new database that will make it easier for their customers to interact with the Division of Consumer and Industry Services. Migrating data is taking longer than expected and they don’t want that process to negatively affect customers. They have reached out to retailers and wholesalers to let them know of these extensions.
TDA appreciates you for working with them through this challenge. If you have any questions, please contact the Pesticides Section at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (phone 615-837-5148).
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