Pesticides are valuable to agriculture. However, if improperly used, pesticides can injure health, property and the environment. This information is for those who sell, use or store pesticides for agricultural use.
Pesticide Regulations
Regulations on the use of agricultural pesticides are found in NY Codes, Rules and Regulations 6 NYCRR Part 325 and Part 326. These regulations and Environmental Conservation Law require that every pesticide used in New York be registered before it is sold or used here. DEC maintains a database of registered pesticides to help retailers and pesticide applicators quickly determine which pesticides are registered. Businesses that provide pesticide services for farmers must comply with additional regulations within 6 NYCRR Parts 325 and 326.
- Pesticide Statutes, Regulations, and Policies - This page presents a complete listing of the pesticide laws, regulations and policies used by DEC's Bureau of Pest Management to assure that pesticides are used and sold in compliance with the Environmental Conservation Law. Pesticide laws, regulations and policies are designed to assist farmers and commercial applicators by providing consistent information on the proper use and sale of pesticides, as well as helpful interpretations of pesticide laws and regulations.
Restricted Pesticide Use
A farmer that wants to purchase or use a restricted pesticide for production of an agricultural commodity on their own property must be certified as a private pesticide applicator by DEC. DEC requires that private pesticide applicators meet training and testing requirements before they can use or supervise the use of pesticides registered as "restricted."
Agricultural employers are responsible for training workers and handlers about the safe use of pesticides under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The WPS is a federal regulation designed to protect employees on farms, forests, nurseries and greenhouses from on-the-job exposure to agricultural pesticides (see the link to USEPA WPS for Agricultural Pesticides under "Links Leaving DEC's Website" in the right column").
The following pertains to pesticide applicator certification, training, exam and permit requirements:
- Pesticide Certification - information on the requirements for pesticide applicator certification for farmers and commercial pesticide businesses. This covers certification renewal, exam requirements, and training courses.
- Pesticide Applicator/Technician Information - outlines the eligibility requirements for pesticide applicator certification. This explains training and experience needed for certification.
- Statewide Pesticide Exam Calendar through the New York State Pesticide Administration Database (NYSPAD) portal - pesticide certification exam dates and registration requirements.
- Certification Categories and Credit Requirements - listing of private and commercial certification categories and credit requirements for recertification. This is helpful to determine how many pesticide recertification credits will be needed during the recertification cycle.
- Pesticide Business Registration - information on registration requirements for commercial pesticide applicators.
- Aquatic Pesticides - information on the permit requirements for use of aquatic pesticides. This helps determine when an Aquatic Pesticide Use Permit is required.
Pesticide Container Recycling
The Agricultural Container Recycling Council - ACRC, is an industry funded not-for-profit organization that safely collects and recycles agricultural crop protection, animal health and specialty pest control product containers. Thousands of farmers and pesticide applicators nationwide participate in ACRC recycling programs. For more information on this program, visit the ACRC's website using the link provided in the right column of this page.