The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced the schedule today for upcoming Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Train-the-Trainer sessions throughout Idaho.

Significant changes to the WPS went into effect on January 1, 2018. The federal WPS regulation directly affects operators of farms, forestry operations, nurseries and greenhouses, and employees in these industries. Designed to protect agricultural workers and their families from pesticide exposure, the WPS was first implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992.

The WPS was revised for the first time in 2015, and it now requires agricultural workers and pesticide handlers to be trained annually by a certified pesticide applicator or a certified trainer. Participants who complete a Train-the-Trainer session will become certified trainers.

The upcoming training sessions will be tailored toward agricultural operators. However, pesticide dealers, professional pesticide applicators and labor contractors who provide services to agricultural establishments also are highly encouraged to attend.

The Train-the-Trainer sessions are approximately six hours long and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. Pre-registration is required. Registration can be requested by emailing the ISDA at wps@isda.idaho.gov. Emailed registrations must include name, phone number, desired session, and the number of people attending the training. Seating is limited.

Southwestern Idaho

April 9, 2018               Elks Lodge, 1015 N Kimball Avenue                                   Caldwell           Spanish

April 10, 2018             Elks Lodge, 1015 N Kimball Avenue                                   Caldwell            English

Northern Idaho

April 12, 2018             Bonners Ferry Gateway Visitors Center, 6373 Bonner Street               Bonners Ferry  English

Eastern Idaho

April 17, 2018             ISU, CHE Bldg. Rm# 217, 1770 Science Center Drive         Idaho Falls         English

April 18, 2018             Clarion Inn, 1399 Bench Road                                             Pocatello            English

Central Idaho

April 19, 2018             College of Southern Idaho, Taylor Bldg. Rm# 277               Twin Falls          English

Please address questions to Luis Urias at (208) 332-8663, Kevin Kostka at (208) 332-8608, or your nearest ISDA field office.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 22, 2018

Contact: Luis Urias, (208) 332-8663

Kevin Kostka, (208) 332-8608

ISDA Main: (208) 332-8500