The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for a $15 million grant program to support a national education and training program on the safe application of restricted use pesticides.
This grant will support more than 50 Pesticide Safety Education Programs at land-grant universities across the country and be geared toward applicators in agricultural, commercial and residential settings, according to a March 13 news release.
“Pesticides are an important agricultural tool, and we must make sure that the people using them are trained to do so safely,” Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff said in the release. “The work done through this grant will help enhance pesticide safety and protect workers, communities and the environment from pesticide exposure.”
The EPA’s grant program is designed to protect workers, communities and the environment from pesticide exposure by teaching applicators about pesticide misuse, cleaning up spills and how to properly use personal protective equipment, the release reported. Individuals will also learn about environmental issues including water quality and endangered species protection.
"In addition to core pesticide safety and practical use concepts, these programs provide applicators with critical information on a wide range of environmental issues, such as the protection of endangered species, water quality, workers and bystanders and non-target organisms," the release reported.
The grantee can expect to achieve several objectives including the enhancing and increasing of education and training opportunities for pesticide applicators, increasing collaboration among other education programs, educating pesticide handlers and incorporating environmental justice principles through partnerships, in educational materials and programs, according to the release.
The grant program, which will depend on the EPA’s budget, is expected to award the recipient up to $3 million per year in a five-year cooperative agreement, the release said.
In line with the federal law, anyone who uses or supervises the use of restricted use pesticides is required to be certified in accordance with EPA regulations and state, territorial and Tribal laws, according to the release.
