Integrated Pest Management

Training to obtain a pesticide applicator license is offered through the Plant Sciences Department at four different workshops that are located around the state. These workshops are conducted on a yearly basis and presentations are given to prospective pesticide applicators at these workshops. The basic information includes insects and insect identification, weeds and weed identification, pesticide laws and regulations and pesticide safety, pesticide labeling and how to calibrate pesticide equipment for accurate applications. There are concurrent sessions that are offered at the workshops with continuing education units (cues) being offered to those individuals that are currently licensed. Licensed commercial applicators which includes public applicators need a minimum of 4 cues per year to maintain their license .

Private applicator testing is conducted at the county agents office. Once licensed the private applicator must acquire 5 cues in 5 years to maintain their license. The plant sciences department does not offer training for private applicators but through video tapes or study manuals/cds the information is made available.

When an individual wishes to take the certification exams for a commercial license they must contact the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) to qualify and to make arrangements for a time and place to take the exams. An individual must take a category exam. There are 10 categories that you can be licensed in.

For further information on licensing, categories to become licensed in and where to get cues contact NMDA at the following web site:

• NMDA
  1. Licenses and regulatory
  2. Pesticide License
  3. CEU workshop
  
  NMDA phone numbers:
  1-800-432-5310
  575-646-2133

• CEU Workshops Schedule