1. DHS has issued an indefinite "stay" on the new Chemical Facilities Security Rule's application to end users, including production agriculture, farmers and ranchers. In other words, under current threat conditions, DHS does not believe that storage of agricultural use chemical on production facilities poses a significant terrorist threat the justifies farm and ranch compliance with the regulation at this time.  This action is NOT a regulatory EXEMPTION for agricultural end users, rather DHS is saying "don't worry about compliance for now".  Please understand that if security threats increase in the future or there is reason to believe that a particular facility, category of facilities or area of facilities poses a meaningful threat, DHS will notify those operations about the need to register and potentially meet other risk-based regulatory requirements.
2. In SUMMARY, until further notice, or unless otherwise specifically notified in writing by DHS, the Top-Screen registration (the first tier of regulation) will not be required for any facility that is required to submit register solely because it possesses any Chemical of Interest, at or above the applicable screening threshold quantity, for use--

(a) in preparation for the treatment of crops, feed, land, livestock (including poultry) or other areas of an agricultural production facility; or

(b) during application to or treatment of crops, feed, land, livestock (including poultry) or other areas of an agricultural production facility;

• This extension applies to facilities such as farms (e.g., crop, fruit, nut, and vegetable); ranches and rangeland; poultry, dairy, and equine facilities; turf grass growers; golf courses; nurseries; floricultural operations; and public and private parks.
• This extension does not apply to chemical distribution facilities, or commercial chemical application service

-  The DHS letter granting the regulatory stay. Please review it carefully to assess its applicability to your operation.

American Farm Bureau Statement:
Agriculture temporarily off the hook for new DHS chemical security reg Full Story

Pesticide Certification and Licensing Program

The PA Department of Agriculture is responsible for pesticide certification and licensing within the Commonwealth. More >>
     

2007-2008 Penn State Agronomy Guide Now Online  The new guide addresses:  Soil fertility; corn, sorghum, soybean, small grains, and forage management; cover crops; organic crop production; and farm budgets. The latest weed, insect, and disease management guidelines for the major agronomic commodities also are provided.  A printed version of the guide is available through most county extension offices.

Pesticide Resource Links:

• PDA Chemsweep Program
  
  
• PDA Integrated Pest Management
  
  
• Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program
  
  
• PDA Pesticide Certification and Licensing
  
  
• Pennsylvania Plastic Pesticide Recycling Program

OSHA Pest Control Pyrotechnics Safety Guide (pdf)

Pesticide Storage
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In August, PFB submitted comments in support of EPA's favorable risk assessment for the triazine herbicides. More >>

PDA Fertilizer Page
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Governor's Invasive Species Council
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