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MO pesticide applicators will want to double check certifications for 2025

Missouri’s Ag Director says applicators who want to apply restricted use pesticides, like atrazine, next year will need a fresh certification.

“Things are going to be different in 2025.”

Chris Chinn tells Brownfield new rules for Missouri’s Pesticide Use Act will go into effect in January. EPA’s mandate has set a minimum age for certified applicators, a five-year recertification limit and requires specialized certifications for application methods.  

She says the state has delayed the rule updates for a few years.

“We were taking the wait-and-see approach to see if EPA would change their mind. We were hoping they would and honor what we had already in place, but that’s not going to happen,” she says. “There are other states in the same position we are in Missouri, but we feel like we’re in a good place and are ready for 2025.”

In-person or online trainings are available for applicators through the University of Missouri and it’s unclear when the next trainings will happen in 2025.

MU said earlier this year anyone wanting to apply pesticides with aerial equipment or soil fumigation will need new categories on their license next year and would benefit from trainings.