4 Tips to Clear Confusion on Dicamba Training Changes
February 21, 2019 As we enter the third season of dicamba-resistant cropping systems, training requirements continue to evolve.
Some things, to be sure, remain the same: If you’re planning on handling dicamba whatsoever in 2019, you will need to be trained again, even if you were in 2018. If you’re confused about any of the changes, CropLife has broken down some key points and provided resources here.
- Anyone applying over-the-top dicamba products in any state must now be a fully certified and licensed commercial applicator. (It is no longer the case that anyone can apply the new dicamba products under the oversight of a certified applicator.)
- Non-certified personnel may not perform any activities with dicamba products, including mixing or loading. EPA also reminds that dicamba-specific training, which is the registrants’ responsibility, is different from the certified applicator training, and does not replace the requirements to become a certified applicator or to maintain a certified applicator’s license.
- Will your state provide your training, or will the registrant? It depends on the state where you are applying dicamba. Note that some states previously may have allowed state-only training, but now allow the registrants – BASF, Bayer, and Corteva – to take on that role. This is the case in Indiana, where the manpower and expense prompted a change in the rule, allowing the manufacturers to provide training this year.
State-Only Training States
Certain states require that an applicator complete training conducted by the state. If you are applying XtendiMax, FeXapan, or Engenia in one of the following states, you must attend that state’s mandatory training:
• Alabama
• Georgia
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• Tennessee
Registrant-Provided Training
• If you plan to apply in a state that does not require the training be provided by the state, Monsanto is providing training events to meet this requirement.
• BASF is also providing training opportunities in states that allow manufacturer training for Engenia.
• Corteva also lists training events for FeXapan application.
4. Whether you can receive training online or in person depends on your state. According to EPA, “Each state can choose how to implement the required dicamba-specific training and to determine the most effective method for delivering training. Online training is acceptable to EPA.”
• See a state-by-state directory of pesticide control officials.
• See FAQ from EPA for more on dicamba training rules and requirements.
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