Paraquat and certain dicamba products require additional applicator training
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EmailEPA requires pesticide applicators using paraquat and dicamba to complete label-mandated training.
Label-mandated training: paraquat and select dicamba products
Pesticide applicators need to have private or commercial pesticide applicator certification to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides (RUP). In addition to applicator certification, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires additional training for using paraquat and certain dicamba products. This additional training is listed on the label and is called label-mandated training (LMT). Individuals who apply soil fumigants must also complete the additional training listed on the label. Additional information about soil fumigants can be found at EPA’s Soil Fumigant Training for Certified Applicators.
Label-mandated training for these products was implemented because of increased risks, complaints or accidents that have occurred in the handling or use of these products. Specifically, the LMT for paraquat was prompted by 17 deaths since 2000 due to improper handling and storage, according to the EPA’s Pesticide Worker Safety page. Dicamba has caused damage on crops from off-target movement of the chemical, prompting this LMT requirement. Label-mandated training is not required to buy dicamba or paraquat, but is required to mix, load or apply the products.
Paraquat
Training for paraquat became mandatory in 2019 and lasts for three years before retraining is required. This training covers only the individual who took the course and has their RUP certification. Only certified applicators who have completed the paraquat training can mix, load and apply paraquat.
The EPA-approved training is offered by Syngenta Crop Protection and can be completed online. Prior to April 15, 2025, this program was offered through the National Pesticide Safety and Education Center (NPSEC). If you completed your training through NPSEC and need a copy of your records, you can still request a copy of your training record by emailing nspec.us@gmail.com with the subject line “Paraquat Training Certificate.”
To keep up with paraquat information from the EPA, visit EPA's Paraquat Dichloride page. NPSEC and Syngenta keep a list of those who received their paraquat training certificate and this list is made available to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development if requested. Applicators should keep a copy of the certificate that is issued after completing the training as proof of completion.
Dicamba
The dicamba products applied in Michigan that currently require this additional label mandated training are Stryax, Engenia and Tavium. Currently, the following companies offer dicamba trainings: BASF, Bayer and Syngenta. This applicator training is required annually.
