Attendees at ESD’s re-certification course in Safford.
ESD Jeopardy's winning team in Maricopa.
For nearly 30 years, the Environmental Services Division has been offering licensees the opportunity to obtain up to 6 continuing education units (CEU) at their Annual Recertification Course. The course is divided into 2 sessions, morning and afternoon, each good for 3 CEU’s. Jack Peterson and inspectors from AZDA headquarters and the Yuma office travel to 3 locations in Arizona where licensees can attend these courses which are free of charge. This year we invited our tribal partners to present at all three locations. Inspectors and other representatives from the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the Gila River Indian Community, the Cocopah Indian Tribe, the Quechan Indian Tribe and the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, spoke about and reviewed the different rules and regulations regarding the use of pesticides on Indian land. Other topics were: “Buffer Zones” related to schools and medical facilities, “Legal Review”, a review of pesticide related laws and regulations, “Irrigation Water Treatment”, “Understanding the Product Label”, “Permitted Products for use on Hemp”, and other topics. As usual the course review was a game of “Jeopardy” where all those in attendance get to participate in groups – these reviews are always a lot of fun and enjoyed by all. ESD has recently formed a partnership with the Yuma Area Ag Council related to training; they provided refreshments at all locations. Approximately 275 licensees took advantage of this free course this year. We look forward to seeing everyone next year!