Ohio Pesticide Law Changes May Limit Teen Farm Roles

By Andi Anderson

Ohio’s proposed changes to pesticide laws could have a significant impact on teens working on farms. Under House Bill 96, which recently passed in the Ohio House of Representatives, the state would update its pesticide application rules to better match federal guidelines, but also restrict what tasks minors can legally perform on farms.

One key change is that only licensed commercial or private applicators would be allowed to “use” Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs). This marks a departure from current rules, which allow trained service persons, employees, and immediate family members—including teens—to apply RUPs under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator.

The definition of “use” would also be expanded. It would no longer refer only to spraying or applying pesticides but would also include tasks like mixing, loading, transporting opened containers, cleaning equipment, and disposing of pesticide-related waste.

This means that even handling empty containers or preparing pesticides for use would be off-limits to minors unless they hold an applicator license—something Ohio law only grants to individuals 18 and older.

These changes could alter how youth help on family farms, especially during summer. For generations, many farms have relied on young family members to assist with pesticide-related work. If the new rules take effect, that will no longer be legal.

The bill is not yet law, but if approved, the changes are expected to be enforced to maintain Ohio’s authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Farm families are encouraged to review youth labor laws now and prepare for the likely updates.

Understanding the full range of tasks minors can perform legally—beyond pesticide handling—will be key to avoiding penalties and ensuring safe farm work for teens moving forward.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic