OFA would like to join the OFVGA in raising concerns regarding number of Ontario farmers and vendors who are now unable to renew their pesticide safety certifications this spring. As a preventative measure to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Ontario Pesticide Education Program (OPEP) cancelled in-person community certification and training courses from March 14, 2020 onwards. Therefore, farmers whose certifications have expired or will soon expire are left unable to legally purchase and use Class 2 or 3 pesticides for the upcoming growing season.
Submissions & Correspondence
OFA letter to Minister Yurek regarding farmer pesticide safety certifications
Updated: April 3, 2020