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Jan 28, 2016
ASA joined the Pesticide Policy Coalition (PPC) to comment on EPA’s proposed rule oncertification and training of certified applicators. The PPC coalition is made up of farm groups, pesticide manufactures and other ag stakeholders.
EPA’s stated goal is to update existing program guidelines and create a streamlined state and nationwide standard. The PPC comments set out why the proposed changes would be impracticable and create additional costs and burdens for pesticide applicators and state agencies.
Among the biggest concerns are that the proposed rule would increase testing frequency to every three years, adding new financial burdens on state pesticide agencies for necessary regulatory and legislative changes, training, testing programs and software, enforcement of the new rulings and other administrative and infrastructural issues that would arise. Additionally, EPA would require certified commercial applicators, regardless of experience, to either attend an extensive training program or pass a closed-book, proctored written exam to retain their certification.
Comments from other stakeholder groups, including the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) are similarly critical, and ASA hopes the rule will be significantly revised following the comment period.
Click here to read the entire letter.
