On August 6, 2008, the University of Florida / St. Lucie County Cooperative Extension will be conducting a two-hour training and two-hour testing program entitled “General Core Training for Agricultural Pesticide Applicators.” This course begins at 1 p.m. It is designed to teach participants about the laws, rules and regulations of pesticide application as well as methods that will enable applicators to apply pesticides in a manner that is safe for people and the environment. Upon completion of the training, Ken Gioeli, Extension Agent/ Natural Resources, will be administering the first of two licensing exams. The cost of registration is $15.
Pesticide applicators who purchase or use pesticides classified as restricted-use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must demonstrate that they meet certification standards established by the Agency under authority of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as Amended. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services mandates applicator licensing requirements under Chapter 487. These mandates state that applicators must pass written examinations to be licensed. Applicators must re-certify either by re-examination or by attending pesticide education programs to acquire continuing education credits. The St. Lucie County Natural Resources Agent, often in conjunction with other agents, provided education training courses and licensing examination opportunities for local restricted-use pesticide applicators. 
For more information about the General Certification Standards course, please call Ken Gioeli at University of Florida / St. Lucie County Cooperative Extension at (772) 462-1660. 

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AQUATIC WEED CONTROL PESTICIDE LICENSING EXAM PREP
When: August 7, 2008    Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Where: St Lucie County Extension -8400 Picos Road, Ste 101, Fort Pierce

Management of algae, hydrilla and other aquatic vegetation is often necessary for even the healthiest of Florida 's waterways. This vegetation, if not properly maintained, can lead to flooding during the rainy season. Improper management may also result in fish kills and decreased aesthetic & property values. On August 7th, Ken Gioeli, Natural Resources Extension Agent with the University of Florida St Lucie County Extension , will be teaching a course designed to prepare students to successfully complete the Aquatic Weed Control Pesticide Licensing Exam. Several special topics will be addressed including Aquatic Weed Identification, Equipment Calibration Calculations, Herbicide Selection, Environmental Safety.$15 registration fee. Pre-registration is required. Call (772) 462-1660 to pre-register. Pesticide licensing exam available after training.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity - Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability or national origin. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating
Individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations no later than one week prior to the course.