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Custom farmers need to license as commercial pesticide applicatorsColorado Considering custom farming as a way to increase profits? Or, wanting to expand the type of services provided as a custom farmer? Licensing as a commercial pesticide applicator is required, if the application of pesticides will be included in any custom farming contracts. "Each year, we receive numerous calls from custom farmers who didn't realize they needed to be licensed with the state," said Laura Pottorff, pesticide applicator coordinator for the Colorado Department of Agriculture Pesticide Section. "Anytime herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides are applied for hire, the applicator must be licensed as a commercial pesticide applicator." Custom farming is an alternative to leasing property out. Each year, more people take advantage of this type of agreement in Colorado. For example, a custom operator 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. However, commercial pesticide licensing requirements do not apply to a grower who rents or leases land from another landowner. Pesticide applications applied by the lessee would be considered the same as a grower applying pesticides to their own land. 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 www.colorado.gov/ag/dpi. 5/19/08 Date: 5/14/08 Advertisement
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