Restricted-use pesticide training boosts wages and saves local farmers money on pesticide management costs
Most farmers need to pay a contractor to spray restricted-use pesticides on their farms if they don’t have a license to do so. At $8 per acre, applied three times each growing season, the cost can really add up. On average, a farmer in Jackson County, Florida, can expect to spend more than $2,400 on pest control each season.
A University of Florida Extension agent in Florida’s Panhandle had an idea — why not train farmers to have their own licensed pesticide applicators?
The agent already trains pesticide applicators to earn their licenses through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The trainings, which emphasize safe, economical and environmentally sustainable pesticide application, are offered free or at a much-reduced rate compared to industry equivalents.
In 2024, 366 applicators were trained and earned their licenses, which gets them higher salaries than non-licensed ag workers. In addition, 77 new farm workers were supported in earning licenses last year, boosting their paychecks and saving their employers from having to contract with outside companies. Combined, the pesticide applicator training program had an economic impact of over $5 million.
View the full statement on the NIDB.
Project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) and other USDA Capacity – Extension funds.
