If you own a farm or a nursery you probably at some point have been inspected by a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service Worker Protection Standards inspector. This shouldn't have been a surprise. Most nurseries are aware of this fact and comply with the WPS. There is a manual that can help you understand the finer points of the law. The How to Comply with the WPS for agricultural pesticides is published by the EPA and you can download it here to help you follow the rules. http://tiny.cc/WPSHTCmanual This is a comprehensive manual of the WPS rules and how to follow them.
Another way to make sure that your operation is doing things properly in regards to the WPS, is to do a WPS self-audit. FDACS allows nurseries and farms the use of their actual inspection checklist. This is the checklist that an inspector will use when they arrive at your farm/nursery to see how you are complying. Take the time to go over the checklist before there is an issue and resolve problems or ask for clarification so that your operation can be in compliance. The checklist was modified to incorporate the last round of changes to the WPS. If you would like to use it here is the link. http://tiny.cc/WPS2018
If you are not sure about items on the checklist or interpretation of the WPS, feel free to reach out to your local extension agent. Either we can answer those questions or we can ask FDACS on your behalf to help gain better clarification or interpretation on the WPS.
10/5/18
Youth Plant Show Mandatory Meetings
If you know a youth in 4-H or FFA who might be interested in growing plants let them know that the Florida Strawberry Festival Youth Plant Show and Sale Mandatory Meetings are next week. Don't forget to attend at least one of the mandatory meetings. Mandatory entry seminars will be held; Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at Tomlin Middle in Plant City in the auditorium and then again on October 16th, 2018 at 7:00 pm at East Bay High School,7710 Big Bend Road, Gibsonton, Florida. Parking will be in the student parking lot. Late arrivals will not be admitted to either meeting.
Each exhibitor and/or a parent or guardian must attend to receive entry forms and record books. Only one of the two meetings must be attended.
Looking forward to another great show youth plant show this year!
Each exhibitor and/or a parent or guardian must attend to receive entry forms and record books. Only one of the two meetings must be attended.
Looking forward to another great show youth plant show this year!
Woody Ornamental Production Field Day Registration
Don't miss out on the information and the meeting. Register now for the UF/IFAS Extension's Woody Ornamental Production Field Day on October 18th, 2018 at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. We have another great line-up of education and field demonstrations prepared for you. Topics will include, how to do the mandatory WPS respirator fit-test on your farm, chemical updates from chemical industry reps, pre-emergent herbicide trials on ageratum and tropical plants, updates from a plastic mulch trial, and comparison of pH and EC collection methods for large container production. SWFWMD will send a panel and discuss questions on permits. FDOT will be there to discuss regulations regarding shipping plants and other transportation questions. The times will be 9:00 - 4:00. Registration will include a lunch and CEUs (1 Core and 2.5 PRVT/O&T). You can register for $55.00 now at this link to reserve your spot.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-uf-extensions-woody-ornamental-production-field-day-tickets-45941613603
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