Farmers and others who use pesticides in their work can obtain training in preparation for the Department of Conservation (DEC) exam for pesticide licensing. Training is offered for individuals who have not yet become certified and for certified applicators who need to obtain pesticide recertification credits. All farmers using restricted use pesticides must become certified and all commercial applicators using any type of pesticide must be certified for their use.

Training covers New York State and Federal regulations pertaining to the use of pesticides as well as basic information about Integrated Pest Management, pesticide application and safety. Instructors include Cornell Cooperative Extension agriculture agents and NYS DEC inspectors.

The training will be offered in Owego at the Tioga County Office Building on Wednesday, March 17. Exams will be offered at the same location one week following the training. Registration is available through the Extension Office in Owego (687-4020).

For information about the pesticide training and the examination process, call Cooperative Extension at 687-4020 or DEC at (607)753-3095, ext. 230 or (607)776-2165, ext. 21. There is a fee for training and the exam and pre-registration is required.