In response to the cancellation of many recertification meetings, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is planning to extend the deadline to renew a private applicator’s license.

All private applicators who have not yet renewed their license will have more time to renew. Keep in mind that if your license expired March 31, 2019, you legally cannot purchase or apply restricted-use chemicals.

Mid-March is typically a busy time for pesticide recertification meetings across the state. Penn State Extension has cancelled face-to-face meetings through April 6 as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of COVID-19.

If you are looking for recertification credits to complete your license, the PaPlants website is a great resource. By using the “Recertification Course Locator” (located just under the “Applicator Information” button), you can customize a search for different meetings.

The site will list all types of classes available: on-site, correspondence, webinar and online classes. If you see an on-site meeting listed, we recommend that you call the contact to ensure the meeting is still taking place.

Keep in mind that any class is only good once during the applicator’s lifetime. For example, if you register for an online class and successfully complete it, you cannot retake it for credit again.

Penn State Extension is putting on two separate webinars from noon to 2 p.m. and again from 7-9 p.m.

If you are unable to connect during those times, you can still register for the webinar and watch the recording at your convenience. In order to successfully obtain credits, you will be required to pass a simple 10-question quiz following the webinar. The webinars and quiz will be open through April 26.

Each webinar will focus on agronomic crops and contain a different agenda. You will receive two core and two category credits for each webinar you view. Credits will be awarded in the following categories:

The fee for each of the webinars is $10, and registration is available online.

Renewing Your License

If you’ve obtained all your necessary credits and have not yet renewed your license, the Department of Agriculture is strongly recommending that applicators renew their license online.

Offices in Harrisburg are closed, so any renewals sent through the mail will not be processed until offices open. Once open, there will be a backlog of paperwork to complete and your renewal will be delayed.

To renew your license (paying with a credit card) visit the PaPlants homepage. The first step is to register on the PaPlants site. You will need your PaPlants ID and PIN numbers. Your PaPlants ID and PIN are printed on your renewal form. If you do not see your PaPlants ID and PIN on your form, that means you’ve already created a username and password to access your account at some point.

If you do not know your username, email [email protected] to retrieve it.

To login or register, click on Logon/Register at the bottom left of the screen. Once you have registered and selected your username and password, you will be able to log in to the site.

From there, you will have access to your account and can view past attended meetings, renew your license and other things.

You will receive your new license as soon as the PDA offices open back up in Harrisburg.

If you have any questions regarding your license, contact 717-772-5231 or or email [email protected].

Source: Penn State Cooperative Extension, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.