The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Chatham County Center will host a Pesticide Testing Day for farmers at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center in Pittsboro on Thursday, February 12th from 10am to 1:00pm. The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be on site to collect payment (cash or check) and administer pesticide certification exams. Click here if you need to purchase pesticide manuals to study for your exam. 

This testing opportunity is available for all farmers, including those who need to obtain their initial farm pesticide license as well as those who already hold a license and need commodity fumigant certification, a requirement that began in July 2024. Farmers who use fumigants to control pests in commodity storage structures such as steel grain bins, concrete silos with elevators, bulk flat storage, and tarped or enclosed structures must pass the open-book Commodity Fumigant exam to purchase and use products such as Phostoxin. In the past, producers could purchase these products directly from their pesticide dealer without this additional certification category.

NC Department of Agriculture is currently working with pesticide dealers to ensure purchasers have the proper certification, making it important for affected producers to confirm they meet current requirements.

In addition to the commodity fumigant exam, farmers who need to obtain their initial farm pesticide license will have the opportunity to take the Private Applicator exam. Farmers who require Soil Fumigant certification may also take that exam. Producers may take one or more exams based on their individual needs.

This event is intended for farmers only and is not open to commercial or landscape applicators.

Pre-registration is required for all exams. Farmers can register by clicking here.

Additional information about commodity fumigation requirements and frequently asked questions