Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education Credit Workshops

In the state of Colorado, pesticide application is regulated by a very strict set of laws enforced by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA).  Some of the regulations include the licensing of private, commercial, limited-commercial, and public pesticide applicators.  Pesticide Applicator licenses are valid for a 3- year period, expiring on the applicator’s birthdate.  Under the Colorado Pesticide Applicators Act, applicators must re-certify either by re-examination or by attending pesticide education programs.  Therefore, during the 3-year period, applicators are required to earn continuing education credits (CEC’s) to be eligible to renew their license without having to retest.  By attending educational programs, applicators acquire CEC’s in core subjects and one or two CEC(s) in each of the categories in which commercial applicators are currently licensed.

Colorado State University’s Southeast Area Extension is offering two Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education Credit Workshops.  The first workshop will take place at the Agricultural Building in Las Animas on March 28.   The training is aimed to provide new information on pest control, health and environmental safety, pest management technology and changes in pesticide laws and regulations.  This workshop provides all 7 credits required for both private and commercial applicators to be re-certified and renew their licenses.  In addition, commercial applicators will earn continuing education credits in the following categories:  Agricultural Insects (Category 101), Agricultural Plant Diseases (Category 102) and Agricultural Weeds (Category 103).

The second workshop will be offered at the fairgrounds, Dining Hall in Pueblo on March 29.  This training will also provide the core requirements (all 7 credits) for both private and commercial applicators.  Commercial applicator will earn credits in Organic Lawn Care (Category 206) and Tree Pests and Diseases (Category 207).

The workshop fees are $35 for private applicators (morning sessions) and $75 for commercial applicators (all day sessions).  If you are interested in attending the workshop, please contact your local County Extension Office (Bent, Baca, Cheyenne, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers) for more information and registration forms.  You can also contact Wilma Trujillo, the Southeast Area Agronomist, at the Prowers Extension Office,1001 S Main Street, Lamar, CO. Tel: (719) 336-7734 or at wilma.trujillo@colostate.edu.  Registration deadline is March 27, 2013.

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By Wilma Trujillo, SEA Agronomist