Coming up next week at GLEXPO: Pesticide Core Review and MDARD testing, RUP credits, and Worker Protection Safety training in English and Spanish, December 12
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Register now for the Pesticide Core Review and Worker Protection Safety Training at GLEXPO 2024 on Dec. 12. Participants can take the MDARD RUP test in the afternoon, complete the required EPA WPS training and earn RUP credits.
The Michigan State University (MSU) Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), Michigan State University Extension and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) are pleased to announce that the Pesticide Safety and Worker Protection Safety classes will be held at this year’s Great Lakes Expo in both English and Spanish on Dec. 12. The event will feature a full day, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., of educational sessions tailored to pesticide handlers, farm owners and managers.
Morning Sessions: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Check-in is 8 to 8:30 a.m.
National Pesticide Safety Core Manual Review in English and Spanish
This morning session is a 4-hour review that covers all of the chapters of the National Pesticide Applicators Certification Core Manual, and it is designed to instruct handlers on the proper techniques for mixing, loading and applying pesticides. This training will prepare participants for the MDARD Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) test, which will be administered in the afternoon. The morning session is mandatory for those planning to take the test.
We recommend participants read and study the Core Manual before attending the review. Copies may be ordered from the National Pesticide Safety Education Center. County Extension may also have copies available. Visit MSU Extension's website to locate the county extension office nearest to you. Please call ahead for availability.
Recertification Opportunity
Attendees holding CCA (Commercial Certified Applicator) or PCA (Private Certified Applicator) certifications can earn four RUP credits by attending the morning session, allowing them to recertify through credits.
On-Farm Produce Safety
While pesticide handlers attend their training, farm owners, operators and managers can participate in the following produce safety sessions:
9 - 10 a.m. | New Agricultural Water Rules in Fresh Produce
In May of 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the new produce safety rules for preharvest agricultural water. Join us as we hear from the FDA on what those new rules are. After the FDA panel, an MDARD inspector, a Michigan grower and Don Stoeckel, a Cornell University Extension specialist, will reflect on how this impacts their work.
10 - 11 a.m. | Supervisor On-Farm Produce Safety Refresher
Annually, supervisors and others with produce safety responsibilities are required to have continuing education around produce safety. This refresher will give you tools you can use to be a better supervisor and improve produce safety among your employees. As a bonus, you will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the refresher for your records.
Afternoon Sessions: 1 – 3 p.m.
MDARD RUP Test
Following the morning training, attendees will have the opportunity to take the RUP test. MDARD will begin the testing session at approximately 1 p.m. This is a critical step for those seeking certification to apply restricted use pesticides.
Private core, fumigation standard, aerial standard and commercial core tests only. No commercial category tests.
Please note:
- MDARD emphasizes that the certification process is not complete until applicators have submitted a completed license application and the application fee.
- A check payable to “State of Michigan” is the only payment accepted for the applicator certification fee.
- Commercial Applicator certification fee is $75, Private Applicator fee is $50. Private applicator certification fees are waived for Military Veterans if a copy of their DD214 is provided.
- No fees will be collected during the session. A postage paid envelopes to send certification payment to MDARD are provided at the session. Cash or credit card payments are not accepted.
- All certification and other information can be found at the MDARD Pesticide Applicator Certification webpage.
Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Training in English and Spanish. Two RUP credits in Private Core, 1A, 1B or 1C.
We are very pleased to offer the EPA required WPS training in both English and Spanish. Presenters for this session will be from MDARD and MSU. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the session for your records.
Event cost: Free
How to register
Registration is available online at Pesticide Safety and Worker Protection. Seats are limited so registration is required. For more information on the Pesticide and Worker Protection session, contact PSEP coordinator Safa Alzohairy at safa@msu.edu or MSU Extension educator Christina Curell at curellc@msu.edu. To see your current credit status, click Applicator Credit Report. For more information on the Food Safety Session, contact Phil Tocco at tocco@msu.edu.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 11, 2024.
