Illinois farmers could soon see changes to the way pesticide licensing is handled.
Lawmakers in the top soybean-producing state passed a bill to amend the applicator licensing process. Right now, farmers take renewal exams every three years. That system is being replaced with a continuing education program, and first-time applicants must pass a 100-question test. After that, they can renew their status through the program.
Illinois fertilizer groups support the bill, which now goes to the governor’s desk.
Related Stories
His department will be using a synthetic bait called “Swormlure Five,” which is engineered to smell like an open wound, attracting Screwworm flies to the bait
“We see the opportunity of streamlining the program.”
NCGA estimates that without pesticide use, crop yields could decline by at least 70%.
