This consolidation reflects the changing needs of farming operations.  Several smaller-use categories have been combined for applicators.  For example, growers who raise produce will now only need one category for fruit and vegetable crops.  The new categories for a private pesticide applicator’s license are:

Category 1: Grain and Cereal Crops

Category 2: Forage Crops & Livestock

Category 3: Fruit & Vegetable Crops

Category 4: Nursery & Forestry Crops

Category 5: Greenhouse Crops

Category 6: Fumigation

Category 7: Specialty Uses

Some applicators will have fewer categories listed on their license, but will be able to purchase and use the same pesticide products as before.  The specialty categories of seed treatment, non-cropland, aquatics, tobacco and wood preservation are consolidated into the first six categories.   This means an applicator would be able to purchase materials for these applications with at least one category on their license.  For example, an applicator with Category 1: Grain and Cereal Crops on their license will still be able to purchase pesticide products for grain crops but will also be able to buy pesticide products to treat seed and manage stored grain, non-crop areas and ponds on their farm.  Tobacco and wood preservation were also consolidated.

Category 7 represents specialty uses.  This category is only for applicators that do not have the first six categories on their license.  An example would be someone who only does wood preservation on lumber and does not need any other crop categories.  Their license would reflect this by only having Category 7.  If an applicator has any other category on their license, they do not need Category 7.

The Core category, which covers safety and stewardship for pesticide use, remains unchanged and is required for all applicators.

This consolidation of categories does not change the private applicators’ recertification requirements. A minimum of three hours of approved training is required to recertify the license.  Of the three hours, at least one hour shall consist of core training material and at least one half hour shall consist of training material specific to each pesticide-use category in which the private applicator is licensed.

If applicators have any questions on these changes, please contact the Paulding County Extension office at 419.399.8225.  More detailed information about the new categories is also available at the Pesticide Safety Education Program website: http://pested.osu.edu/private.html or the ODA website at: http://ohioagriculture.gov