New Michigan Emergency Rule Extends License Renewal Deadline

Published on January 8, 2021 by Nate Bortz

On December 30, Michigan pesticide applicators got perhaps their last gift of the holiday season in the form of a new emergency rule from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD). The new rule extends the validity of any licenses that expired on December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

In addition to extending the expiration date, the rule gives applicators six additional months to renew their licenses via continuing education courses.

“Extending applicator credentials and giving them more time to complete their continuing education courses allows inspectors to focus on our regulatory activities protecting human health and the environment from misapplications of pesticides,” said Brian Verhougstraete, MDARD’s Pesticide Section Manager. “It also provides certified applicators and businesses some regulatory clarity and ensures they can continue their work protecting our food supply from damaging pests.”

If you don’t have time to read the entire emergency rule, here are the relevant highlights.

• A certified or registered applicator license with an expiration date of December 31, 2019, is considered valid until June 30, 2021.
• A qualified certified or registered applicator who renews a license with an expiration date of December 31, 2019, shall be issued a license that is valid until December 31, 2022
  
• A certified or registered applicator license with an expiration date of December 31, 2020, is considered valid until June 30, 2021.
• A qualified certified or registered applicator who renews a license with an expiration date of December 31, 2020, shall be issued a license that is valid until December 31, 2023.

The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, P.A. 451 of 1994, Part 83, requires individuals to be either a certified pesticide applicator or a registered applicator to apply a pesticide for a commercial purpose. The Act also requires certification for anyone wishing to purchase a restricted use pesticide. Michigan’s certified pesticide applicators must pass written examinations to ensure they have the knowledge and skills necessary to properly apply pesticides in a manner that protects themselves, the public, and the environment. 

Whether you want to get licensed or renew your license, our online courses can help! Click here to view all the courses we have available for Michigan.