Technically, if all I was discussing was organics with no EPA reg numbers, I could get away without the license. But what I wanted to be able to do was to go to someone's cupboard and knowledgeably talk about what they have, what they are using, the pros and cons and the reasons for a more integrated approach.
As the Dept of Ag told me "we aren't out after people like you", I still wanted to operate "by the book" (I'm that way). This also allows me to make chemical recommendations when truly warranted. People are at the mercy of advertisements or limited information from applicators who have one product line and that's what they spray for everything...whether it is appropriate or not. They see applicators/operators out spraying with no PPEs and figure that it "must be safe", since it is so commonly used.
In our experience, if you come across as totally unwilling to talk about ALL the possibilities, people will view you as biased and, therefore, your information is automatically suspect. We wanted to be able to look at what they are using and say, I know this product, I know the ramifications, I'm not selling anything, I am just simply recommending what is BEST for your particular situation. They can then call an applicator with knowledge and forethought, or in a lot of cases, apply a nontoxic substance themselves.
For the Research and Demo license I had to take the pesticide applicator's core test and any test relevant to our business, in this case Forest Pest Control and Turf and Ornamental Pest Management. The license is annual with 12 CEUs required every 4 years.
Don't be shy about knowing turf and woody perennials. One of the biggest problems we see for our clients, is their landscape is being "managed" by too many chiefs. Be the one who can talk knowledgeably about needs for their turf (not just say get rid of it or ignore it). Know what they have planted as understory and the requirements for healthy shrubs. The care of the entire landscape is interrelated. You can't segregate them. Be the "go to" person with the whole picture.
Sylvia
