Beginning in 2025, Missouri has updated its pesticide laws. Any grower who wishes to purchase or apply Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) must hold a valid Private Pesticide Applicator License issued by the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA).

This license is required for farmers using RUPs on land they own or rent, and Amish and Plain growers follow the exact same rules.

What changed in 2025 and why this matters?

Missouri and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have strengthened training and licensing standards. Key changes include:

• A private applicator license is required for all RUP users-supervising unlicensed workers is no longer allowed beginning in 2025.
• Applicators must pass expanded competency standards and new categories (Category 20 Private Applicator; 21 Soil Fumigation; 22 Non-Soil Fumigation; 23 Aerial Application for drones).
• Young family members may now obtain a Certified Provisional Applicator License at ages 16-17, if working in the family farm. Under age 16 cannot apply RUPs.
• Training must still be repeated every five years to keep the license valid.

Who needs this license?

You must be:

• Directly involved in producing agricultural commodities (crops, livestock, produce).
• Planning to purchase or use Restricted Use Pesticides.
• Working only on your own or rented property, or another grower's land without compensation, such as working in trade.

How to get (or renew) a license?

Although self-paced online training is available through MU Extension, individuals without access to technology can complete the process entirely through in-person training. Reach out to your local county extension office or extension specialist about upcoming Private Pesticide Applicator Training events.

Beginning January 1, 2025, a $75 training fee applies. You may pay with cash or check at the local extension office. First-time attendees should have the MU Extension M87: Private Pesticide Applicator Reference Manual and read it before training. Contact your local extension office for information about the manual cost.

You will need to attend the full training, then the instructor will provide you with a Certification Verification Form which must be completed by you, signed in ink, and returned to the county extension office/specialist by hand or mail. The extension specialist signs it and forwards it to the MDA for processing.

Your official license will be mailed to you and it is valid for five years.

To renew your license:

• Pay the $75 training fee
• Attend an in-person MU Extension training again every five years
• Complete and sign updated certification forms

Important notes about RUPs applications

• No unlicensed workers may use or apply RUPs, even under supervision. Each person applying RUPs must have their own license.
• Family members ages 16-17 may apply for the Certified Provisional Private Applicator license if they work on the family farm.
• Anyone under the age of 16 may not mix or apply RUPs.
• The license only allows application on your own farm, not on neighbor's farms for pay.