By Andi Anderson
Ohio has introduced important updates to its pesticide application laws through House Bill 10. The changes are designed to support farm families and agricultural businesses while keeping Ohio in compliance with federal regulations.
In a recent Legal with Leah discussion, Ohio Farm Bureau Associate General Counsel Leah Curtis explained why the updated law matters for farmers, employees, and family members.
House Bill 10 addresses concerns created by earlier changes that required anyone applying restricted use pesticides to hold a private applicator or pesticide license.
Historically, employees and family members were allowed to apply restricted use pesticides under the supervision of a licensed applicator.
Changes driven by federal requirements removed that flexibility, creating concern across the agricultural community.
Curtis explained the background clearly. “Sure, so some people may remember we had an episode back, I think in the fall, we talked that the budget had changed pesticide law so that anyone that was applying a restricted use pesticide was going to need that private applicator license or a pesticide license.” She added, “So historically, the law has been that employees and family members of a licensed applicator could apply restricted use pesticides so as long as they were supervised by the licensed applicator.”
She noted that these changes were tied to federal rules dating back to 2017 and were required for Ohio to remain a delegated state.
“And that’s really important. We don’t want the federal government having to deal with them to do these licenses,” Curtis said. With House Bill 10 now passed, Ohio restored supervised application for employees and family members.
Curtis emphasized why flexibility matters. “For one thing, it’s the flexibility, right? You don’t always want to have to have just the one person who has the license or have everybody get licensed.” She also explained that pesticide use includes more than spraying. “It includes things like cleaning equipment and transporting and mixing and those things.”
Looking ahead, Curtis said agencies are updating rules to reflect the law. “So right now we are working through the regulatory process.” She added that supervised employees and family members will need some training. “Ultimately, what is going to happen is that employees and family members that are being supervised are also going to have to have some additional training.”
Curtis noted that existing worker protection training may meet requirements. “So some people are already doing that.
That’s probably going to be able to kind of double dip there.” Once rules are finalized, clear guidance will be shared to help farmers comply while keeping their operations running smoothly.
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Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety