Agriculture Branch
The mission of the Agricultural Branch is to regulate the sale, distribution, and use of pesticides for the general health and welfare of our citizens and the environment in Kentucky. This includes the use of pesticides by commercial, noncommercial and pesticide sales agents. The Agricultural Branch provides technical assistance, regulates licensing and certification of pesticide dealers, operators, and applicators in all categories except for those involved in the structural pest control industry.
Pesticide Applicators Pollinator Notification
All pesticide applicators, please note the labels of some products require communication with beekeepers before applying
the product. Examples of products with labels requiring communication with beekeepers include, but are not limited to:
Actara, Admire Pro, Advise, Agri-Flex, Agri-Mek, Alias, Apta, Bexar, Brigadier, Centric, Couraze, Endigo, Exirel,
Flagship, Imidashot, Lada, Leverage, Macho, Malice, Meridian, Midash, Montana, Nuprid 4F, Pasada, Obelisk,
Skyraider, Swagger, Tempest Dual-Action, Torac, Voliam-Flex, Belay, Arena, Scorpion, Venom, Certador, Poncho, Zylam.
Commercial Applicator Licensing
All persons involved in the commercial and non-commercial application of pesticides and fertilizer must have a license and be certified in Kentucky. To obtain a license and certification, an operator, applicator or sales agent must pass an exam and attend continuing education classes. For the testing schedule, please click the Pesticide Testing Schedule, and for training, please click the Agricultural CEU Training Schedule.
You can obtain study materials by calling the University of Kentucky at (859) 257-5955 or you can view and print the UK study materials by clicking the UK Pesticide Safety Education. The licenses are renewed on a yearly basis. To maintain a certification for the Ag Branch you must have nine (9) general and three (3) category specific hours by December 31st of the year listed under the certification area of your license.
Compliance Assistance
Inspectors are always available to explain to anyone in the regulated community the requirements of KRS.217B and the applicable regulations. After consultation the inspectors will advise you what actions your business should take to get in compliance with the law. Please call the Agricultural Branch at (502) 573-0282 if you need an inspector to come by and offer Compliance Assistance.
Inspections
Inspectors are required to ensure compliance with the State and Federal laws and to investigate complaints of pesticide misuse. Inspectors also complete compliance assistance interviews to assist the industry in complying with the laws and Worker Protection Standards (WPS). Inspectors also perform USDA records reviews to insure compliance with Federal record keeping requirements on farms.
Complaints
Any consumer can file a complaint with this branch if they have an issue with an individual or a company who has made a pesticide application or recommendation in the state of Kentucky. This can be reported by calling this office toll free (866) 289-0001. Please advise the office staff you would like to file a complaint.