media release

Colorado Department of Agriculture

www.colorado.gov/ag

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2012

Contact: Christi Lightcap, (303) 239-4190, Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us

Custom Farmers must License as a “Commercial Pesticide Applicator”

LAKEWOOD, Colo. –Licensing as a “commercial pesticide applicator” is required if the application of pesticides will be included in any custom farming contracts.

Custom farming is an alternative to leasing property. For example, a custom farmer would agree to perform all machine operations necessary to grow and harvest a crop for a set fee while the landowner would pay for all seed, chemicals, and other inputs and then keep the crop. Anytime herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides are applied for hire, the applicator must be licensed as a commercial pesticide applicator by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Licensing ensures pesticides are applied in a manner that reduces unnecessary associated hazards. A person or company that performs applications for hire without holding the appropriate license may receive a minimum fine of $1,000 per violation.

For more information on pesticide application and licensing, contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture Pesticide Section at (303) 239-4146 or visit CDA on the web at www.colorado.gov/ag/dpi.

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