The Alabama Department of Agriculture Pesticide Management Division has a new procedure implemented this year for keeping track with the pesticide re-certification points.

As of January the Alabama Department of Agriculture-Pesticide Certification Inspectors will scan your license as you enter a meeting, as you leave for lunch, as you return from lunch and as you leave the meeting.  This will give them a total number of hours you were actually in a meeting that has been approved for points.  All licensees will receive a new card over the next three years (very similar to a credit card) that will have their own personal bar-code, photo, certification number and a list of all licenses you hold (T&O, SLP, etc.).

Until everyone has a “bar-coded” card, they will enter you into their system using your certification number.  It will be extremely helpful for you to carry your “current paper” card with you to pesticide meetings.  At all pesticide certification approved meetings there will be an inspector checking you in (and out) and taking your picture sometime during the day for your new card.  Initially, this may slow down the process at registration.

Visitors from the AL Dept. of Ag will also demonstrate how to go on-line and view your personal information with the AL Dept. of Ag including how many points you currently have on file.