Definition: Private certified operator?

• A. Individual who uses or supervises the use of RUPs in the production of agricultural commodities on land owned or rented by him/her or his/her employer
• B. Individual who applies pesticides for hire
• C. Public employee applying pesticides on public lands
• D. Person who stores pesticides

Answer: (A)

Private certified operator means someone who is certified to use restricted‑use pesticides and who applies or oversees their use on land that they own or rent for the production of agricultural commodities, either on their own farm or on land owned or leased by their employer. The defining point is that the pesticide activities relate to growing crops for sale on land tied to the operator’s or their employer’s farming operation.

This differs from someone who applies pesticides for hire (that would be a commercial operator), a public employee applying on public lands (a public operator), or someone whose role is only storing pesticides (not performing or supervising applications).