Paraquat and Dicamba Require Additional Applicator Training

EPA mandates specialized certification for use of these restricted pesticides

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:19pm

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A bold, geometric abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex chemical compositions and environmental risks of paraquat and dicamba pesticides.An abstract visualization of the intricate molecular structures and potential environmental impacts of the high-risk pesticides paraquat and dicamba, which now require specialized applicator training.East Lansing Today

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now requires additional training for pesticide applicators using the restricted-use chemicals paraquat and dicamba. This label-mandated training covers proper handling, storage, and application of these products due to increased risks and incidents. Applicators must complete the training every 3 years for paraquat and annually for dicamba before they can legally mix, load, or apply these pesticides.

Why it matters

The additional training requirements for paraquat and dicamba aim to improve safety and reduce incidents of improper use, accidental exposure, and off-target movement that have led to injuries, fatalities, and crop damage in the past. Ensuring applicators are properly certified and trained on these high-risk chemicals is crucial for protecting public health and the environment.

The details

Paraquat training became mandatory in 2019 and lasts for 3 years before retraining is required. The EPA-approved training is offered online by Syngenta Crop Protection. Dicamba training is required annually and is provided separately by the companies that sell dicamba products, including BASF, Bayer, and Syngenta. Applicators must complete the specialized training in addition to having a private or commercial pesticide applicator certification in order to legally mix, load, or apply paraquat or dicamba.

  • The paraquat training requirement went into effect in 2019.
  • Paraquat training certificates must be renewed every 3 years.
  • Dicamba training is required annually for applicators.

The players

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency that regulates pesticides and mandated the additional training requirements for paraquat and dicamba.

Syngenta Crop Protection

The company that provides the EPA-approved online training course for paraquat.

BASF, Bayer, Syngenta

The companies that provide the annual training courses for dicamba pesticides.

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The takeaway

The new training requirements for paraquat and dicamba are intended to improve safety and reduce incidents of misuse or accidents involving these high-risk pesticides. Applicators must stay up-to-date on the specialized certification in order to legally handle and apply these restricted-use chemicals.