Updated 4/17/2025
The EPA recently proposed revoking most food and feed crop tolerances for chlorpyrifos, with restrictions based on location, application rates, and protections for farmworkers and vulnerable species. As a result, only alfalfa, soybeans, sugar beets, and winter wheat are expected to retain approved food and feed uses in Minnesota. Key deadlines include:
- April 30, 2025: Sale & distribution of certain products must cease, except for export or disposal.
- June 30, 2025: Use of existing stock for food and feed is prohibited, but non-food uses may continue for two years post-cancellation period unless further EPA restrictions are imposed.
The MDA has conditionally registered chlorpyrifos products for 2025. After June 30, 2025, products with old labeling can only be used for non-food purposes, while those with new labeling can still be used for food if they meet updated EPA guidelines. Refer to the EPA’s Chlorpyrifos FAQs page for the affected product lists and updates. For more information, contact us at Pesticide.Registration.MDA@state.mn.us.
Updated 4/17/2025
The herbicide acetochlor, found in products such as Tripleflex, SureStart, Warrant, and Harness, has increasingly been detected above the state’s chronic water quality standard (≈ 3.6ppb) in many rivers and streams in southern Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is reviewing acetochlor monitoring data and is considering whether these waterways should be proposed to the EPA to be added to the impaired waters list. This could affect future acetochlor use in the region. If using acetochlor we encourage you to follow the MDA’s Water Quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Acetochlor (PDF) to protect water quality. For more information, contact PTU.MDA@state.mn.us.
Updated 4/17/2025
The herbicide acetochlor, found in products such as Tripleflex, SureStart, Warrant, and Harness, has increasingly been detected above the state’s chronic water quality standard (≈ 3.6ppb) in many rivers and streams in southern Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is reviewing acetochlor monitoring data and is considering whether these waterways should be proposed to the EPA to be added to the impaired waters list. This could affect future acetochlor use in the region. If using acetochlor we encourage you to follow the MDA’s Water Quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Acetochlor (PDF) to protect water quality. For more information, contact PTU.MDA@state.mn.us.
Updated 4/21/2025
The MDA has launched a collection of StoryMaps to share over 30 years of the pesticide water quality monitoring data in an accessible, interactive, and user-friendly format. The StoryMaps allow users to see where pesticides have been detected in Minnesota, find out which pesticides were found at specific sites, compare levels to water quality standards, and track changes in monitoring chemicals over time. Access the StoryMaps. For more information, contact PTU.MDA@state.mn.us.
Updated 4/21/2025
When using pesticides in Minnesota, it’s important to know who to contact when you have questions regarding regulations, registration, or other concerns. The MDA offers specialized resources to help guide pesticide users through the process and ensure compliance with state laws. Here’s a quick guide to who to contact at the MDA for specific pesticide-related questions: Who to contact at MDA for pesticide questions (University of Minnesota Extension - Minnesota Crop News)
Updated 4/21/2025
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are transforming the way pesticide applicators manage field crops. Using UAVs for pesticide spraying allows applicators to make more precise applications and reduce input costs. However, before you can use a UAV for pesticide application, you’ll need to meet several important license or certification related requirements. Here's what you need to know to get started: Getting Started with UAVs for Pesticide Applications (University of Minnesota Extension - Minnesota Crop News).
Updated 4/17/2025
Dicamba products XtendiMax®, Engenia®, and Tavium®, formerly registered for over-the-top (OTT) use on dicamba-tolerant (DT) soybeans in Minnesota, can no longer be sold, distributed, or used in 2025. Existing stocks can be returned to registrants or properly disposed of through the MDA’s waste pesticide collection program. For more information, visit the MDA’s Dicamba website, or contact us at Pesticide.Registration.MDA@state.mn.us.
Updated 4/17/2025
The EPA recently proposed revoking most food and feed crop tolerances for chlorpyrifos, with restrictions based on location, application rates, and protections for farmworkers and vulnerable species. As a result, only alfalfa, soybeans, sugar beets, and winter wheat are expected to retain approved food and feed uses in Minnesota. Key deadlines include:
- April 30, 2025: Sale & distribution of certain products must cease, except for export or disposal.
- June 30, 2025: Use of existing stock for food and feed is prohibited, but non-food uses may continue for two years post-cancellation period unless further EPA restrictions are imposed.
The MDA has conditionally registered chlorpyrifos products for 2025. After June 30, 2025, products with old labeling can only be used for non-food purposes, while those with new labeling can still be used for food if they meet updated EPA guidelines. Refer to the EPA’s Chlorpyrifos FAQs page for the affected product lists and updates. For more information, contact us at Pesticide.Registration.MDA@state.mn.us.
Updated 4/17/2025
The herbicide acetochlor, found in products such as Tripleflex, SureStart, Warrant, and Harness, has increasingly been detected above the state’s chronic water quality standard (≈ 3.6ppb) in many rivers and streams in southern Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is reviewing acetochlor monitoring data and is considering whether these waterways should be proposed to the EPA to be added to the impaired waters list. This could affect future acetochlor use in the region. If using acetochlor we encourage you to follow the MDA’s Water Quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Acetochlor (PDF) to protect water quality. For more information, contact PTU.MDA@state.mn.us.
Pesticide Overview
The MDA regulates the sale, use and disposal of pesticides. The State of Minnesota defines a pesticide as follows:Pes·ti·cide (noun): a substance or mixture of substances intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate a pest, and a substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant. (MINN. STAT. 18B.01)
Pesticides may be either chemical substances or biological agents, and have a broad range of uses. Pesticides are often used to control weeds (herbicides), insects (insecticides), and plant diseases (fungicides). Other pesticides registered for use in Minnesota are chemicals not commonly thought of as pest control agents, such as bleach and antimicrobial household sprays used to sanitize surfaces.
Applicator License
Selling Pesticides in Minnesota
Pesticides must first be registered by the MDA before they can be sold or distributed in the state. Individuals wishing to sell or distribute pesticides must obtain a Pesticide Dealer License.
Product Registration
Both agricultural pesticides and non-agricultural pesticides must be registered with the MDA before they can be sold or distributed in the state. Product registrations expire December 31 of each year. Renewal applications must be postmarked before January 1 to avoid a penalty fee. The MDA also conducts special registration reviews.
Use Complaints
A team of statewide inspectors is available to conduct routine inspections and enforcement checks, provide compliance assistance and investigate agricultural chemical use complaints. Learn more about the complaint process and access the complaint forms.
Pesticide Management
Monitoring Agricultural Chemicals in Water
Updated 4/21/2025
The MDA has launched a collection of StoryMaps to share over 30 years of the pesticide water quality monitoring data in an accessible, interactive, and user-friendly format. The StoryMaps allow users to see where pesticides have been detected in Minnesota, find out which pesticides were found at specific sites, compare levels to water quality standards, and track changes in monitoring chemicals over time. Access the StoryMaps. For more information, contact PTU.MDA@state.mn.us.
Updated 4/21/2025
The MDA has launched a collection of StoryMaps to share over 30 years of the pesticide water quality monitoring data in an accessible, interactive, and user-friendly format. The StoryMaps allow users to see where pesticides have been detected in Minnesota, find out which pesticides were found at specific sites, compare levels to water quality standards, and track changes in monitoring chemicals over time. Access the StoryMaps. For more information, contact PTU.MDA@state.mn.us.
Updated 4/21/2025
When using pesticides in Minnesota, it’s important to know who to contact when you have questions regarding regulations, registration, or other concerns. The MDA offers specialized resources to help guide pesticide users through the process and ensure compliance with state laws. Here’s a quick guide to who to contact at the MDA for specific pesticide-related questions: Who to contact at MDA for pesticide questions (University of Minnesota Extension - Minnesota Crop News)
Updated 4/21/2025
When using pesticides in Minnesota, it’s important to know who to contact when you have questions regarding regulations, registration, or other concerns. The MDA offers specialized resources to help guide pesticide users through the process and ensure compliance with state laws. Here’s a quick guide to who to contact at the MDA for specific pesticide-related questions: Who to contact at MDA for pesticide questions (University of Minnesota Extension - Minnesota Crop News)
Updated 4/21/2025
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are transforming the way pesticide applicators manage field crops. Using UAVs for pesticide spraying allows applicators to make more precise applications and reduce input costs. However, before you can use a UAV for pesticide application, you’ll need to meet several important license or certification related requirements. Here's what you need to know to get started: Getting Started with UAVs for Pesticide Applications (University of Minnesota Extension - Minnesota Crop News).
