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> Private Applicator Training
PAT Coordinators
In 1983, MDA and Extension signed a memorandum-of-agreement in which Extension assists with Private Applicator Training (PAT). In addition, all Extension personnel demonstrating, making recommendations, researching or supervising the use of pesticides, and/or conducting pesticide training are to be licensed (certified) as governmental applicators in the commercial applicator classification. Under this agreement most county agents act as local PAT coordinators. In a few cases other non-extension individuals are local PAT coordinators. In addition, tribal extension agents also conduct PAT training often covering more than one county.
- PAT programs are developed and conducted by PAT coordinators within each county or reservation.
- County Extension agents are most often the PAT coordinators. Sometimes, a county agent may act as the PAT coordinator for multiple counties.
- Where there is no county agent available, other individuals may be PAT Coordinators upon approval by the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA).
What are private pesticide applicator fees (a.k.a pesticide applicator funds) be used for?
Private applicator funds can be used by PAT coordinators if the equipment purchased is to be used for pesticide-related presentations or for pesticide applicator training more than 50% of the time.
Anything less than 50% and the pesticide fees may pay for a portion of the purchase. For example, if the county is going to use a laptop computer 80% of the time for day-to-day office work and 20% of the time for pesticide education uses, the pesticide applicator fund may pay 20% of the costs.
Pesticide applicator funds can also be used to rent meeting space, travel to pesticide-related meetings, purchase pesticide-related educational materials, travel and per diem reimbursement for speakers at pesticide-related training events and speaker fees.
Pesticide applicator funds:
- CANNOT be used to purchase ATV's or other vehicles unless those vehicles will be used 50% of the time for pesticide TRAINING purposes.
- CANNOT be used to purchase herbicides or pesticide applicator equipment unless that equipment will be used 50% of the time for pesticide TRAINING purposes.
- CANNOT be used to fund travel to meetings unless 50% of the presentations attended are related to pesticide use.
- CANNOT be used to purchase alcohol!
Who is eligible to use private pesticide applicator fees?
Any county Extension office or those working under their delegated authority may utilize private pesticide applicator funds that are available to their respective county or counties.
How can I request pesticide applicator funds?
All requests for money from the pesticide applicator fund must be submitted on Purchase Justification Form.
The form must be completed and submitted PRIOR to purchasing anything with these funds!
The Pesticide Applicator Fee Purchase Justification Form should be submitted to the appropriate Regional Department Head for the county Extension office requesting approval to expend funds. The Regional Department Head will forward the approved document to Sandra Rahn-Gibson, Budget & Fiscal Director.
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