MN HF151

Establishes the commissioner of agriculture as the lead agency to develop, implement, approve, and evaluate pesticide education and training programs in consultation with the University of Minnesota Extension Service, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, and other educational institutions.

Expands program topics to include water quality protection, endangered species protection, minimizing pesticide residues, worker protection and applicator safety, chronic toxicity, integrated pest management and pest resistance, pesticide disposal, pesticide drift, relevant laws and regulations, and current science and technology updates.

Requires the commissioner to appoint educational planning committees that must include representatives of industry and applicators, and to discuss specific current regulatory concerns in each training session.

Authorizes the commissioner to approve pesticide education and training programs from private industry, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations meeting minimum requirements.

Requires the commissioner to update applicator education and training materials by December 31, 2017, using existing pesticide regulatory account resources, and to report to agricultural finance committees by January 15, 2015, on progress and a schedule for completing required updates.