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Pesticide safety training season begins

November 17, 2014 - When harvest winds down, it means thousands of Ontario farmers and pesticide vendors can be in the classroom to certify in pesticide safety.

Farmers and vendors can register for one of the 350 courses offered across the province, each led by experienced instructors, some who have facilitated for over 20 years. The instructors themselves receive their own training on current topics ranging from protecting pollinators to active learning strategies.

This year, the Ontario Pesticide Education Program expects over 5, 500 growers to complete the Grower Pesticide Safety Course and about 300 Ontario vendors to take the Pesticide Vendor Certification Course this year. Courses are also being held to help Certified Farmers train their supervised workers.

Huron County instructor, Jacquie Bishop says “I thought this was one of the most informative sessions that we have had. It was great to have industry speakers give us background information that will spice up our courses for those returning growers.”

The Ontario Pesticide Education Program has offered courses since 1987, focusing on product information, health and environmental risk management, pesticide application and pesticide safety practices. Currently, over
22, 000 growers and 1, 000 vendors are certified.

The program is supported by farmers, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, pesticide companies and pesticide retailers.

See the full listing of in-class and online courses at opep.ca, or call 1-800-652-8573. Courses may also be offered at your local pesticide dealership.

For more information, contact:

Susan Kelner
Ontario Pesticide Education Program
University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus
Ridgetown, ON
519-674-1500 x63584
skelner@uoguelph.ca

November 17, 2014  By Top Crop Manager