2025 TESTING ANNOUNCEMENT
The MDA office in St. Paul has discontinued testing.
August 15, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the Dairy Profitability Enhancement Grant. This funding is available to regional or statewide organizations to administer and deliver the Dairy Profitability and Enhancement Program (DPEP).
DPEP is intended to provide information and technical assistance to dairy farms of all sizes to enhance their financial success and long-term sustainability.
Eligible projects must:
- Offer technical assistance to dairy farms of all sizes delivered individually, as a team, or through other proven methods
- Serve dairy farms located in Minnesota
- Begin only after the grant contract has been signed by all parties and the start date has been reached
Eligible expenses must directly support the Dairy Profitability Grant program and may include, but are not limited to:
- Staff time and travel (out-of-state travel requires prior approval)
- Promotion of the program
- Staff training and professional development
- Equipment and supplies
There is $500,000 available per year in fiscal year 2026 and 2027. Applicants may apply for a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $500,000 for each year. All information about the program is available on the program’s webpage. Applications will be accepted until September 24, 2025, at 4 p.m. CT.
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Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-283-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us
The MDA is transitioning to new licensing and application systems to provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience
Congratulations! You’ve been awarded an AGRI Farm to School and Early Care Grant.
Commercial or Noncommercial Applicator
If an individual is making a commercial (for-hire) or noncommercial (to apply restricted use pesticide) pesticide applications aerially, they need to pass exams in at least three categories as shown in the example below:
- Category A (Core) basic principles of pesticide regulation and application; required for all licensed applicators.
- Category B (General Aerial) pesticide application with an aircraft or UAV; required for all aerial pesticide application.
- Additional Category (must have 1 or more categories based on the site/pest specific), for example,
- Category C (Field Crops Pest Management)
- Category J (Natural Areas, Forestry, Rights of Way)
- Category L (Mosquito, Black Fly, and Ticks)
Additional information:
- License categories - Pesticide Applicator License Types
- Commercial and Noncommercial pesticide licenses - Pesticide Applicator Licensing
- Reciprocity agreements with 18 other states - Reciprocity
Private Applicator Certification
If a private applicator is making Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) applications with UAVs or aircraft, the applicator needs a General Aerial endorsement on their Private Applicator Certification.
Questions regarding private applicator requirements can be directed to the University of Minnesota Private Pesticide Applicators certification program at 763-260-4423 or ppathelp@umn.edu.
MDA Pesticide Applicator License Requirements
Commercial or Noncommercial Applicator
If an individual is making a commercial (for-hire) or noncommercial (to apply restricted use pesticide) pesticide applications aerially, they need to pass exams in at least three categories as shown in the example below:
- Category A (Core) basic principles of pesticide regulation and application; required for all licensed applicators.
- Category B (General Aerial) pesticide application with an aircraft or UAV; required for all aerial pesticide application.
- Additional Category (must have 1 or more categories based on the site/pest specific), for example,
- Category C (Field Crops Pest Management)
- Category J (Natural Areas, Forestry, Rights of Way)
- Category L (Mosquito, Black Fly, and Ticks)
Additional information:
- License categories - Pesticide Applicator License Types
- Commercial and Noncommercial pesticide licenses - Pesticide Applicator Licensing
- Reciprocity agreements with 18 other states - Reciprocity
Private Applicator Certification
If a private applicator is making Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) applications with UAVs or aircraft, the applicator needs a General Aerial endorsement on their Private Applicator Certification.
Questions regarding private applicator requirements can be directed to the University of Minnesota Private Pesticide Applicators certification program at 763-260-4423 or ppathelp@umn.edu.
All UAVs must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The registration number must be legible and affixed to the UAV.
Become a Drone Pilot | FAA
Operators have certification based on the weight of the UAV. Under 55 pounds operators are required to follow and be certified under the Code of Federal Regulations for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (14 CFR Part 107). Over 55 pounds operation can be done under Part 107 with waivers and exemptions from 14 CFR.
An applicator/operator applying pesticides must also follow the Code of Federal Regulations for Agricultural Aircraft Operations (14 CFR Part 137).
Part 137.3 Agricultural aircraft operation means the operation of an aircraft for the purpose of dispensing any economic poison.
Economic poison means any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any insects, rodents, nematodes, fungi, weeds, and other forms of plant or animal life or viruses, except viruses on or in living man or other animals, which the Secretary of Agriculture shall declare to be a pest, and any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation will NOT aid in determining whether a proposed operation is compliant with federal regulations.
