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).
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).
