NEPMA recognizes Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

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The New England Pest Management Association (NEPMA) has recognized the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) for regulatory improvements to the pesticide program.

The department was presented with a plaque for making significant improvements administering the state’s pesticide program. The award was announced at this month’s pesticide board meeting on March 22 by NEPMA President Tom Drapeau.

Over the past several years, the department has moved away from a paper-based program, which was relying on mailing various forms and applications, to becoming nearly all electronic. The latest digital-friendly improvement was the transfer of the applicator exam processing and tests moving to a 100 percent computer-based process. With that change, applicator and license exams are now available on-demand 24/7.

“No longer are hiring decisions based on fixed exam dates at limited locations around the state. Hiring decisions can now be made based on needs of the business,” Drapeau said in a news release. “As of March, about 400 people have taken the applicator exam online, with few problems reported. These improvements stand to save pest control businesses significant expense.”

The NEPMA represents the pest control industry in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. The association is comprised of more than 140 pest management professionals and affiliated industry suppliers.The MDAR is the state lead agency regulating pesticides in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Pesticide Board creates pesticide public policy, advises the agency and registers pesticides.

OTHER NEPMA NEWS

The Professional Women in Pest Management’s New England chapter (PWIPM of NE) announced the winner of its second annual Women of Excellence Award: Courtney Carace, ACE, who is COO of Plaistow, N.H.-based Pest-End Inc. Formal recognition was given during the NEPMA’s Spring Training event in early March.