BISMARCK— The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) has scheduled a statewide series of listening sessions to discuss and gather input on proposed changes to North Dakota’s pesticide rules.

“Most of the proposed changes simply make the rules easier to read and understand, but some of the changes are more substantial,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “We especially want to hear from stakeholders – farmers, ranchers, applicators and pesticide dealers – before the department begins the actual rule-making process.” 

Goehring explained that the public will have additional opportunity to offer input once the department begins formal rule-making.

The listening sessions are scheduled as follows:

Goehring said the proposed rule changes include:

• Adopting EPA container and containment regulations
• Requiring private applicators using fumigants for rodents to be certified in the “vertebrate” class
• Requiring dealers to include EPA registration numbers on records
• Requiring bulk pesticide dealers to include their business name and address on bulk pesticide storage tanks
• Eliminating posting requirements for private applicators and homeowners.

Goehring said NDDA pesticide staff at the listening sessions will explain the proposed changes and answer questions.

Further information is available from Blake Schaan, NDDA pesticide enforcement coordinator, at 701-328-4922 or blakeschaan@nd.gov.