Pesticide and Fertilizer Licensing COVID-19 Updates

March 30, 2020
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By:  Pesticide Safety Education Program, OSU Extension

Will private pesticide and fertilizer deadlines be extended?
With the signing of House Bill 197, Ohio’s COVID-19 emergency response legislation, the March 31, 2020 deadline for private pesticide applicators (farmers) and the May 31, 2020 deadline for agricultural fertilizer certificate holders to renew their license and get training has been extended.

The deadline is now 90 days after the state of emergency Executive Order ends or December 1, 2020, whichever comes first.

All in-person OSUE events are cancelled or postponed through at least May 15. We will continue to update you as meetings are scheduled.

I have not received my new pesticide/fertilizer applicator card – what do I do?
ODA is working diligently with a reduced on-site staff to get cards out. Your pink (or yellow) copy of the re-certification sheet (the triplicate from the re-certification class or conference that you attended) is your temporary certification until you get your card. Remember, category 15 is fertilizer

I am a pest control professional. Am I considered an essential employee?
Structural Pest Control is considered essential
Food related pest control is essential
Lawncare and other categories are still being determined

Which trainings are now available as an online webinar?
Commercial New Applicator Training:
April 15
May 13

When will pesticide exams resume?
There is currently no date to resume testing. Online testing is not available.

Can I still obtain commercial study materials?
Yes, you can still apply for a license and receive study materials. Study guides may take a bit longer to arrive at this time.
Click here for application form

Other Resources:

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
Farm Bureau COVID Updates
National Pest Management Association (NPMA) COVID Updates
USDA Rural Development
OSHA announcement on fit testing for N95 facepieces